World Cancer Day

This year the IUAC and WHO put out a statement on World Cancer Day...  "Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.  Each year on 4 February, WHO supports International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Preventing cancer and raising quality of life for cancer patients are recurring themes. 

This year's theme, “Cancer can be prevented too”, focuses on simple measures to prevent cancer such as:

~ no tobacco use ~ a healthy diet and regular exercise ~ limited alcohol use ~ protection against cancer-causing infections. 

While these are smart and healthy ways to live, we still don't know if these guidelines will help lymphomas.

DID YOU KNOW.... 

- that researchers still don't know the cause of lymphoma so we do not have preventative measures in place

- there is an appalling lack of good recent data on lymphoma incidence, mortality and prevalence – cancer registries are typically 4-5 years behind with national data

-screening for early diagnosis – lymphoma is not a good candidate for screening – this means campaigns that raise awareness of symptoms will continue to be important and need to remain a high priority

- there is a need for significantly more research spending on causes of lymphoma because until we understand the causes we cannot tackle prevention
WHAT TO DO....Please ask your government to create an educational prevention message for lymphoma in your country.  Ask them to dedicate research dollars to this unknown cancer that is on the rise.  Results from a 2008 LC survey, showed us that 50% of people surveyed around the world had never heard of lymphoma and those that did 74% did not know it was a cancer.  Late diagnosis of lymphomas is an issue. We need a federal/national organized educational program so we will be diagnosed properly in a timely fashion. 

Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

persistent cough  -  itching  -  drenching night sweats  -  fatigue that won't go away  - odd occurrences of lumps or swelling