Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month is observed in September to enhance the general understanding of blood cancers and their early warning signs. Leukemia and lymphoma are some of the most common cancers, making up for 10% of all diagnoses. The central aim of this observation is to equip the public with knowledge of the cancers and their distinguished symptoms. Implemented in 2017 by the U.S. Congress, the month-long dedication also points people to verified resources that can increase the likelihood of early diagnosis and other favorable outcomes.
History of Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
Leukemia and lymphoma are highly aggressive but curable forms of cancer, with a 72% survival rate. Leukemia is a malignant bone marrow disease, which causes the production of abnormal leukocytes in blood-forming organs. Lymphoma is the formation of cancerous cells on lymph nodes.Leukemia is one of the most common cancers, with over 60,000 new diagnoses every year. Hematologic malignancies make up to 10% of all cancer cases and 9% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States. In an ongoing quest to raise awareness about these awful diseases, the United States Congress designated September as the official Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month in 2017. It is critical to raise awareness about the early warning signs of the diseases, as there’s a near-perfect chance of survival with early diagnosis. We have come a long way from declaring leukemia to be a death sentence. Today, preventative therapy, bone marrow transplant, and intensification therapy are all leading treatments with a proven impact on the growth and remission of this cancer. Still, there are strides yet to be made in the research of pain-free treatment of cancer, including a concentrated effort to maximize early detection among high-risk patients.Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month raises critical awareness and funds for the research of blood cancer. Since 2017, the American Cancer Research Association has worked in association with the Institute on Oncology Research (I.O.R.) to organize seminars and conferences around the country. The American Association of Cancer Research (A.A.C.R.) awards grants to brilliant minds who are pursuing promising research in the field of lymphoma and leukemia.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month timeline
French anatomist Alfred-Armand-Louis-Marie Velpeau discovers leukemia.
German pathologist Franz Neumann publishes his findings on the yellow bone marrow caused by the spread of leukemia.
American researchers successfully suppress the spread of leukemia through combination chemotherapy.
Gene therapy prognosis successfully puts two advanced cancer patients in remission.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month FAQs
What color ribbon is for leukemia and lymphoma?
Leukemia is represented by orange, whereas violet is dedicated to lymphoma.
What is the survival rate of lymphoma?
The survival rate for people suffering from lymphoma depends widely on the stages of progression. The five-year survival rate stands at 72%.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
Swollen lymph nodes, sudden weight loss, fever, night sweats, abdominal swelling, and shortness of breath are all signs of lymphoma. A combination of three or more of these symptoms warrants an immediate consultation with your physician.
How to Observe Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
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Get a full-body check-up
A great way to pledge your support for the cause is by keeping your name off the patient list. Getting regular check-ups helps you to keep tabs on your health.
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Donate
You can make a direct donation to the American Association of Cancer Research or you can drop a dollar to your local hospitals. Several of the country’s oncology departments are consistently raising funds for radical treatments, and the best way to join the fight against cancer is by funding its research.
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Spread the word
A proven way to fight cancer is by arming ourselves with the knowledge about the cause, symptoms, and treatments. This September, prepare easy-to-read pamphlets or social media articles about the early warning signs of cancers and distribute them to everyone you know.
5 Known Leukemia Risk Factors
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Exposure to radiation
Intermittent exposure to radiation raises the risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
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Congenital diseases
Down syndrome, Bloom syndrome, and ataxia-telangiectasia increase the risk of developing acute leukemia in a person.
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Exposure to chemicals
Long-term exposure to chemicals increases the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Smoking
Chain smokers are more likely to develop acute myeloid leukemia than non-smokers.
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Family history
The existence of acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia in your family tree worsens the risk of getting some kind of leukemia.
Why Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month is Important
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It encourages regular check-ups
A full body check-up every six months is a necessity. Much like insurance, keeping your vitals in check is an investment with a long yield. This September, book a check-up for your entire family and make it a biannual commitment.
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It promotes a healthy lifestyle
Prevention is better than cure! It is believed that understanding the root causes of cancers like leukemia and being aware of its early symptoms is the best way to turn the tide and go into remission.
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It raises funds for the cure
The American Association for Cancer Research is consistently raising funds for various breakthroughs in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. Recent studies have yielded distinctive results in the field, including the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics to locate and treat cancer cells. Throughout the month-long observation, seminars are held across the country to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
