September Is Blood Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month—a time to bring greater attention to cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system.

At Blanche Le Rouge, awareness is about more than wearing a ribbon. It is about understanding our bodies, recognizing changes, asking questions and having information that helps us advocate for our health.

This month, we're shining a light on Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma isn't one single disease. It is a group of cancers that begin in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the body's immune system. NHL can begin in B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes, and there are many different subtypes. Some grow slowly, while others are more aggressive.

Because there are so many forms of NHL, a person's experience—from symptoms to treatment—can look very different from someone else's.

Know the Possible Signs

One challenge with lymphoma is that its symptoms can resemble those of many other conditions.

Possible signs of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can include swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained fatigue, fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling or discomfort, and sometimes itchy skin.

Having one of these symptoms does not mean that you have lymphoma. Enlarged lymph nodes, for example, are much more commonly associated with infections. But changes that don't go away, become worse or simply don't feel normal for you are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

There Isn't a Routine Screening Test

We often hear about screening for cancers such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is different.

Currently, there are no widely recommended routine screening tests for NHL in people without symptoms. That's one reason paying attention to persistent changes in your body matters.

Awareness isn't about living in fear of every symptom. It's about knowing your normal—and giving yourself permission to seek answers when something doesn't feel right.

Diagnosis and Treatment Aren't One-Size-Fits-All

If lymphoma is suspected, doctors may use physical examinations, blood tests, imaging and other testing. A biopsy of an affected lymph node or other tissue is generally important for determining whether lymphoma is present and identifying its specific type.

Treatment then depends on factors such as the particular subtype and stage. Depending on the situation, treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation or other approaches; some slow-growing lymphomas may initially be monitored rather than treated immediately.

And that distinction matters: there is no single Non-Hodgkin lymphoma journey.

Awareness Also Means Supporting the Person

Cancer care is medical—but the experience of cancer reaches far beyond medical appointments.

There are days of uncertainty. Treatment. Fatigue. Changes in appearance and appetite. Emotional exhaustion. Caregiving. Recovery. And for many survivors, learning how to live after treatment becomes another journey of its own.

Sometimes support looks big.

Sometimes it's a phone call.

A meal.

Sitting beside someone at an appointment.

Helping with errands.

Or simply asking, “What do you need today?”

Listen to Your Body. Advocate for Your Health.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to learn, share information and support those living through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship.

Know your body.

Pay attention when something changes.

Ask questions.

Keep your medical appointments.

And don't dismiss a persistent concern simply because you're worried about being “too cautious.”

Awareness isn't fear. It's information—and information gives us the ability to advocate for ourselves and for the people we love.

Blanche Le Rouge — A More Beautiful Life in Every Season.