World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) is held on September 15 every year and is a day dedicated to raising awareness of lymphoma, an increasingly common form of cancer. It is a global initiative hosted by the Lymphoma Coalition. WLAD was initiated in 2004 to raise public awareness of all lymphoma subtypes in terms of symptom recognition, early diagnosis and treatment.[1]
Around the world, more than 735,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma, including CLL, every year. With this lesser known type of cancer, patients face a variety of unique challenges and rely on the support of a team of professionals and personal connections throughout their cancer experience.
2021 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
The 2021 WLAD theme is We Can’t Wait – to emphasise the urgency of understanding the symptoms of lymphomas and the importance of seeking timely medical attention if an individual is experiencing them. As well as the unintended consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lymphoma community, including hesitancy of seeking medical care, delayed diagnoses, uncertainty in treatment, and the direct effects faced by patient organisations.
2020 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
For 2020 WLAD, the global lymphoma community joined together to give A World of Thanks showing gratitude to those who help people living with lymphoma.
2019 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
The Lymphoma Coalition came together to mark WLAD 2019 by building a tree of confidence with supportive messages and facts about lymphoma . With every fact shared a leaf grew upon the Confidence Tree, building strength and support for people living with lymphomas from across the globe.
2018 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
2018 WLAD focused on Small Things that Build Confidence. Lymphoma Coalition research found that confidence, which stems from information and support, plays a significant role in positive healthcare experiences and outcomes for patients.
Confidence doesn’t always come from one big thing but can be several small things that add up together, leaving a patient feeling more informed, supported and in control.
- Having my questions listened to and answered
- Having a credible source to learn more about my lymphoma
- Having friends and family who show they care about me
- Deciding and communicating what is important to me
- Knowing what to expect from my treatment
- Knowing what side effects to expect
- Talking to other people with similar experiences/passing along tips I have learned to others
- Wearing my favourite outfit / lipstick / having a fresh haircut
- Sitting up straight/walking with purpose
2017 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
In 2017, WLAD centered on The Small Things Make the Biggest Difference. The day focused on patient experiences and highlighted that when lymphoma patients are informed and pay attention to the small things #Everything Changes.
The signs and symptoms of lymphoma can be similar to other less serious illnesses. They can often be mistaken for flu or fatigue. They may seem small, but when these symptoms persist, contact to your doctor. Because it could make the biggest difference. When we pay attention to the small things, #EverythingChanges.
2016 World Lymphoma Awareness Day
Lymphoma Coalition is focused on changing how we all think about lymphomas which is why for WLAD 2016 the focus was Know Your Subtype. According to the Lymphoma Coalition’s 2016 global patient survey, one in four patients were not aware of their lymphoma subtype at the time of their initial diagnosis and nearly half didn’t understand the characteristics of their subtype.
Without this understanding, patients may not be aware of their specific diagnosis and unable to find information or make informed decisions about treatment or support. For the 60 per cent of patients who report doing online research, many don’t know what specific subtype of cancer for which they are searching and could be finding inaccurate information. That’s why knowing your subtype is so important