September 15 is World Lymphoma Awareness Day
Over one million people worldwide live with this aggressive cancer, and over 1 000 people are diagnosed every day, yet it is still very misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
September 15 is a day where more than 1 million people worldwide make their voices heard.
This year this day marks the eleventh anniversary of World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD).
The organisation Be Cancer Aware will yet again be putting lymphoma on the South African map on this day.
WLAD is held annually on September 15, a day dedicated to raising awareness about lymphoma.
This year, the campaign is doing something different.
Instead of profiling the numerous lymphoma survivors and patients across the country, they are speaking out through a video that will be posted on various social network platforms, the charities, the families, and the survivors themselves will be taking the microphone and talking about lymphoma and how it has changed their lives.
This video of hope will have a call to action, asking viewers to spread the word by sharing the message online.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer involving the lymphocytes in the body.
Lymphocytes are cells of the immune system that help fight infection.
When these lymphocytes start transforming and multiplying uncontrollably, they can form a cancerous tumour.
Over one million people worldwide live with this aggressive cancer, and over 1 000 people are diagnosed every day, yet it is still very misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
This is partly due to the fact that lymphoma is often only identified when all other diagnoses are ruled out because the signs and symptoms can appear so broad, and similar to influenza and TB.
Indicators can include lack of energy, unexplained fever, swollen glands, coughs, night sweats, persistent itching all over the body and general, unexplained weight loss.
For more information, visit: www.becanceraware.co.za or www.lymphomacoalition.org and on Facebook: Be Cancer Aware.
