Lymphoma Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Lymphoma Diagnosis Treatment and Free Support Programs
This page was originally published July 23, 2019 and updated October 15, 2024.

The American Cancer Society publishes annual statistics on the incidence and mortality rates of all types of cancer, including both Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The ACS estimates about 80,470 people (44,120 males and 36,350 females) will be diagnosed with NHL in 2022 and about 8,540 new cases (4,570 in males and 3,970 in females) for HL.

Lymphoma is more common in men than in women. Lymphoma occurs most often in adults aged 65 years or older. The incidence rate for adults aged 65-74 years is 9.2 cases per 100,000 people, and the incidence rate for adults aged 75 years or older is 16.3 cases per 100,000 people.

Symptoms

There are many different symptoms associated with lymphoma, which can make diagnosis difficult. However, according to the CDC, some common symptoms include: enlarged lymph nodes; fatigue; fever; night sweats; weight loss; itchiness; and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes and provide you with a proper diagnosis, care, and treatment.

Diagnosis

Lymphoma is typically diagnosed through a series of tests, including a physical exam, blood tests, and a biopsy. A physical exam can help to identify swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. Blood tests can help to determine the type of lymphoma and how advanced it is. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the stage.

Treatment

Treatment options for lymphoma depend on the type and stage of your cancer, as well as your overall health and treatment goals. Some common treatment options include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Your care team will work with you to support and develop a care plan that works best for you. There are a number of chemotherapy agents used to treat lymphoma. Some common therapies include rituximab (Rituxan), bendamustine (Treanda), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and vincristine (Oncovin). Radiation therapy is a common treatment for lymphoma. It uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is typically given as a series of treatments over a period of several weeks or months. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It can be used to treat many types of cancer, including lymphoma. Stem cell transplantation is a type of treatment that is used to treat lymphoma. It involves the transfer of stem cells from one person to another and is often used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat lymphoma.

When deciding on any treatment, it is important to discuss your specific needs and goals with your oncology team. Together, you can work on a plan to best treat the cancer and support you both during and after therapy. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has a helpful guide about how best to communicate with your care team.

Free National Support Programs

If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma, it’s very important to get help from organizations that understand the needs of lymphoma patients and families and can provide assistance nationwide at zero cost to you. here are many organizations that provide support to those affected by lymphoma. These organizations can provide you with information about your condition, financial support, and help connect you with others who are going through similar experiences. Here are three national nonprofit programs to help you right now. All programs, products, and services are available free of any charge to lymphoma patients, families, and caregivers throughout the USA.  

❤️ See our complete list of no-cost products, programs, and services for lymphoma patients and families in the USA here.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a national nonprofit dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing information and support to patients and their families. The LLS funds research on all types of blood cancer, provides information on blood cancer and its treatment, offers patient support programs, and advocates for public health policies that will help reduce the incidence of blood cancer. The LLS website is a valuable resource for information on all aspects of blood cancer and offers a number of services for lymphoma patients, including:

LLS also funds research into new treatments for lymphoma, and has contributed more than $1.2 billion to date. Thanks to this funding, many new treatments have been developed that are saving lives. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with lymphoma, be sure to seek out the resources offered by the LLS.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation     

The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) was founded in 1987 by a group of lymphoma patients and their families. The LRF was the first organization in the United States to focus exclusively on lymphoma research and patient support. The LRF has since become a leading voice in the fight against lymphoma, and has funded more than $60 million in lymphoma research.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) offers a number of programs to lymphoma patients and their families, including the following:

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based organization that offers support to cancer patients and their families. The ACS funds research on all types of cancer, provides information on cancer and its treatment, offers patient support programs, and advocates for public health policies that will help reduce the incidence of cancer.

The American Cancer Society offers a number of programs to lymphoma patients and their families, including the following:

More Help for Lymphoma Patients

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lymphoma, know that you are not alone. There are many nonprofit organizations throughout the USA that can provide you with financial resources and emotional support. For a national directory of free programs for lymphoma patients, caregivers, and families, please visit this link. ❤️

Free Financial Help for Leukemia and Lymphoma Patients and Families

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