World Lymphoma Awareness Day
World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) is held on September 15
every year and is a day dedicated to raising awareness of lymphoma, an
increasingly common form of cancer. It is a global initiative hosted by the
Lymphoma Coalition (LC), a non-profit network organisation of 63 lymphoma
patient groups from 44 countries around the world. WLAD was initiated in 2004
to raise public awareness of both Hodgkin and non- Hodgkin lymphoma in terms of
symptom recognition, early diagnosis and treatment. Lymphoma is increasing in
incidence and is a potentially
life-threatening disease. One million people worldwide live with lymphoma and
nearly 1,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every day, but there
continues to be very little awareness of the signs and symptoms of lymphoma.
New international survey results show that:
When asked if they know their nodes, only half (49 percent)
of people said they know what nodes do
Although most respondents have heard of lymphoma, 52 percent
of people know very little or nothing about it
Two-thirds (67 percent) of respondents did not know lymphoma
is a type of cancer and that it has one of the fastest growing incidence rates
worldwide
90 percent of people do not think enough is being done to
fund lymphoma research
Increasing awareness of lymphoma will allow people around the
world to better recognize its signs and symptoms, leading to earlier diagnosis
and more timely treatment. Greater awareness will also empower patients and
their families to demand specialist treatment and care from qualified lymphoma
physicians as well as gain access to the most up-to-date information, support
and treatment.
Know Your Nodes: Know Your Nodes is
a public awareness campaign created with the insight that people know little
about their lymphatic systems and, in turn, lymphoma. An international survey
conducted in 2006 by the Lymphoma Coalition revealed that nearly three-quarters
(74 per cent) of people did not know lymphoma was a type of cancer and less
than half (49 per cent) knew anything about lymphoma at all. With this
knowledge in mind, the Know Your Nodes campaign was created to take people back
to the basics and learn more about their lymph nodes, lymphatic systems and
lymphoma in time for WLAD.
Know Your Nodes engages people around the world in learning
more about their lymph nodes, the lymphatic system, and most importantly, the
signs and symptoms of lymphoma. Lymphoma’s signs and symptoms can be similar to
other, less serious illnesses, and increasing awareness of lymphoma will allow
people around the world to better recognise its signs and symptoms, leading to
earlier diagnosis and more timely treatment.
Beacons of Hope: The Beacons of Hope
program was created in 2006 to celebrate inspiring people around the world that
have been affected by lymphoma. Lymphoma Coalition members were asked to
nominate individuals affected by lymphoma who acted as global ‘Beacons of Hope’
ambassadors. The ambassadors spread the word of hope across the world, bringing
real life experience to WLAD.
The Lymphoma Club: The Lymphoma Club was
founded in 2010 to recognize those affected by all Lymphomas (Hodgkin's and
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) and to help raise awareness for Lymphoma. We are a
group of united warriors, survivors, families, caregivers and friends
supporting one another because together we are stronger.
History: Since its launch in 2004, WLAD
has made its mark internationally, from inspirational showcases of art in
Argentina, to bike tours in France, and patient seminars in New Zealand. The
global campaign continues to provide a platform for doctors, nurses, patient
support groups, patients and their families to share vital knowledge about
lymphoma, its signs and symptoms, and how it affects lives of thousands of
people around the world. In 2007, Lymphoma Coalition launched the Know Your
Nodes campaign internationally to help people learn more about lymph nodes, the
lymphatic system and lymphoma.
About Lymphoma Coalition: Lymphoma
Coalition is a non-profit network organisation of lymphoma patient groups.
Established in 2003, it is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness
of lymphoma, a common form of cancer, and promoting the well-being of people
affected by lymphoma worldwide.
Our Mission is to:
Be the global source for lymphoma facts and statistics
Improve awareness and understanding of lymphomas
Build capacity for new and existing lymphoma groups.
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