What is it?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps the body fight diseases. Lymphoma is the most common form of blood cancer in Australia and the sixth most common cancer overall.

Lymphoma can develop in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or other organs. There are two forms of lymphoma:

NonHodgkin’s lymphoma – around 90% of people with lymphoma have this form

Hodgkin’s lymphoma – around 10% of people with lymphoma have this form

Lymphoma affects everyone differently. Some people with lymphoma do not need treatment for many years. Others develop more serious forms. The cancer is treated according to the disease stage. Treatment options include medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and, rarely, stem-cell transplant. Many people with lymphoma can recover.