2012 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
Saturday, September 15, 2012
We are extremely proud to be involved in so many initiatives that will help spread awareness about diagnosis, treatment, and the need to support advocacy efforts at all levels. In honour of World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2012, we have released our new video “Lymphoma: Alive Again”. This is just one of the many ways Lymphoma Canada is raising awareness of lymphoma in Canada.
Lymphoma in Canada
Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in Canada and one of the fastest rising incidence rates worldwide. In 2011, an estimated 8,600 Canadians will be diagnosed with lymphoma and in 2011, 3,310 succumbed to the disease. Lymphoma affects men, women and children and incidence is on the rise in young adults and children. It is a type of blood cancer that develops when an error occurs in the production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell found in the lymph nodes, and results in abnormal cells that become cancerous.
What is World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD)?
WLAD is held on September 15 every year and is a day dedicated to raising awareness of lymphoma. Launched in 2004 and now an established date in the health calendar, WLAD provides a focus for doctors, nurses, patient support groups, patients and their families to join forces in a united campaign to inform the public about lymphoma, its signs and symptoms and how it affects lives of thousands of people around the world.
WLAD is a global initiative hosted by the Lymphoma Coalition, a non-profit network organization of patient groups from around the world. It currently has 49 member groups from 36 countries. For further information visit www.lymphomacoalition.org.
Why have WLAD?
Despite the fact that one million people worldwide live with lymphoma and nearly 1,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer every day, research shows:
- Less than 50% of people know anything about this potentially life-threatening cancer
- Almost three quarters (74%) of people do not know that lymphoma is a form of cancer.
Through raised awareness of lymphoma, people around the world will better recognize the signs and symptoms, which leads to earlier diagnosis.
WLAD also provides a platform for individual countries to address local issues, for example lobbying government for funding or access to the most effective treatments.
Check out this You Tube video. Do you know why nodes are important to the overall functioning of the body? Pass along the video to everyone, as we all should understand how our nodes work and be aware of the signs and symptoms of lymphoma. It’s fun, watch it!
Do you know your nodes? Take the quiz
