Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies that usually develop in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue found in organs, such as the spleen, stomach, or skin, although in some cases, it can involve bone marrow and blood.1,2 The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 77,240 new cases (42,380 men and 34,860 women) of NHL will be diagnosed in the United States in 2020, and approximately 19,940 people (11,460 men and 8480 women) will die from the disease.1 How much do you know about NHL?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States. The risk for developing NHL increases with age, with the most common subtypes of the disease occurring in individuals in their 60s and 70s.1,2
One way in which clinicians categorize NHL is according to how fast it grows.2 Indolent forms of the disease grow and spread more slowly and may not need immediate treatment.1,2 The most common type of indolent lymphoma in the United States is follicular lymphoma.2 Aggressive forms of NHL, which grow and spread rapidly, typically need to be treated right away. The most common type of aggressive lymphoma in the United States is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.2 Some forms of NHL, such as mantle cell lymphoma, may be classified as either indolent or aggressive, depending on various factors.2
The 5-year overall survival rate for patients with NHL is more than 60%, and more than 50% of patients with aggressive forms of the disease can be cured.3 Public awareness of the disease needs to remain a priority to increase survival rates, reduce incidence rates, and improve patient quality of life.
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