It’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2022

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and as lymphoma is the most common blood cancer, we want to make sure as many people as possible know the signs and symptoms. 

Charlotte Bloodworth, Advanced Clinical Practitioner of the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff shares what lymphoma is and the most common symptoms. 

“Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United Kingdom following breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer.  There are three types of blood cancer; leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma. Lymphoma is the most common of these, accounting for over half of all blood cancers” she says. 

“Lymphoma is a cancer that develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. Lymphocytes are part of your immune system which helps to fight infection, which is why it is sometimes called a cancer of the immune system.  The World Health Organisation has classified over 60 unique types of lymphoma which are categorised into two main groups; Hodgkin lymphomas and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The non-Hodgkin lymphomas are then further split into low grade (or slow growing lymphomas) and high grade (or faster growing lymphomas)”.

“Symptoms of lymphoma very much depend on the type of lymphoma and where your lymphoma is in your body. However, there are some common symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, in your neck or under your arms for example, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats and fevers or difficulty getting over infections. However, having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma. Many of these are also symptoms of other health problems such as infection.  The message is to go to your GP to have any concerns investigated” she concludes. 

Help us raise awareness of lymphoma during Blood Cancer Awareness Month! Order or download our symptoms posters and postcards and display them at your local GP surgery, supermarket, place of worship, library, community centre, workplace or even your own front window. Find out how you can get involved throughout the month in supporting our work and raising awareness of lymphoma as the fifth most common cancer in the UK.