Campaigning for Cancer discusses Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

Campaigning for Cancer, based in Bryanston, hosted a virtual Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Awareness briefing on 29 January, unpacking facts about the most common type of leukaemia in adults.

Clinical haematologist Dr Karen Gunther described CLL as a cancer of the immune system which begins in the cells that become white blood cells (known as lymphocytes), in the bone marrow. Cancer starts in the bone marrow and then progresses into the blood. While some types of CLL are aggressive and require a swift move to treatment, others are slow-moving and may not require immediate treatment.

According to Dr Gunther, 21 000 new cases of CLL were recorded in the US in 2020, however, there are no available statistics in South Africa.

Dr Gunther explained that CLL is usually a disease of the elderly, with the median age being 72. She said that since most patients with CLL are over 65, many are suffering from comorbidities, which complicates treatment.

Symptoms of CLL can include fatigue, growing lymph glands, night sweats, anaemia, fever and infections and a high white blood cell count. Dr Gunther explained that many patients are asymptomatic and do not detect that they have CLL for some time. Doctors generally identify features of the more aggressive type of CLL and the mutational status of the patient’s genes to determine whether immediate action is necessary.

CEO of the Lymphoma Coalition Lorna Warwick addressed the discussion from Canada, explaining the results of a recent survey among CLL patients from 52 countries across the world.

Warwick explained that the purpose of the coalition was to bring about equity in lymphoma outcomes across borders.

The survey revealed the results of 12 000 respondents across the globe, revealing that most patients had a good amount of information concerning their condition, while one-third of patients said they did not receive enough information at diagnosis. According to the survey, patients’ primary sources of information were their doctors, websites and patient organisations.

The survey also revealed the psychosocial impact of having CLL, with many patients expressing fear of lymphoma progressing, others fearing relapse and many reporting high levels of anxiety and depression.

Warwick concluded that there is much need for ongoing support for patients with CLL, particularly from patient organisations.

Clinical haematologist at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital Dr Justin du Toit alerted the discussion to the high costs of CLL treatment both in the state and private sector.

Campaigning for Cancer has launched an educational campaign to highlight the subtypes of lymphoma in the coming weeks and create greater awareness concerning the disease.

Those who would like to view the campaign material can email admin@campaign4cancer.co.za

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/232464/cancer-does-not-discriminate/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/232015/head-and-neck-cancer-awareness/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/244576/living-with-cancer-and-hope/