Lymphoma Awareness Day
The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation has launched a series of short films featuring six New Zealanders sharing their experiences of being diagnosed with lymphoma. These were released on September 15 to to mark World Lymphoma Awareness Day. You can view the films on our You Tube site.
World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) is a global event observed every year on 15 September.
WLAD is an international effort to raise much-needed awareness about lymphoma. The LBF is a member of the international Lymphoma Coalition which aims to raise awareness about lymphoma.
Lymphoma is increasing in incidence globally; an increase which is reflected in New Zealand. Lymphoma has an incidence rate that is more than four times higher than cervical cancer and kills as many people as melanoma in NZ. Certain types of lymphoma can be fatal in as little as six months.
Raise awareness
Post a message on Facebook We invite patients and their families to share stories with others going through similar life experiences. Join the national conversation on the LBF’s Facebook page.
Take the know your nodes quiz Many of us have heard of lymph nodes and know they are somewhere in the body, but beyond that, we just don’t “Know our Nodes.” Take our fun quiz and watch the video here.
Resources
Initial diagnosis of lymphoma can be difficult. The symptoms of lymphoma are often mistaken for less serious illnesses such as flu, fatigue or glandular fever. It is essential that the disease is recognised early because, if treated appropriately, some types of lymphoma can be cured.
• Early Diagnosis and Referral of Lymphoma is Critical – article by Drs. Ken Bradstock and Peter Browett
• Is Lymphoma on Your Radar? – a decision support tool
• Understanding Lymphoma – A4 tear off pad
• Understanding Lymphoma – wall poster
• Tom has Lymphoma – children’s book
• Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient information booklets
• Know your nodes – online quiz
Research
The causes of lymphoma are still not well-known. However, The International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph) has launched a series of films to discuss their recent research findings. The films can be viewed here.
In New Zealand, lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer, with close to 900 people being diagnosed every year. Despite this, market research shows that many of us have either not heard of lymphoma or don’t know what lymphoma is.
• A 2008 telephone survey (of 501 interviews) conducted across 15 different regions showed that 89% of New Zealanders could not correctly identify lymphoma.
• A 2010 nationwide survey (with 800 respondents) showed that only 12% of New Zealanders were able to identify lymphoma as a blood cancer.
The LBF can help patients and their families living with lymphoma receive the information and support they need. For more information, please contact your local Support Services Coordinator on 0800 15 10 15 or by email info@leukaemia.org.nz. i
