To raise awareness, each month, focus is placed on different health conditions and diseases. For instance, September is National Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. It is for this reason that we learn more about these cancers by learning the important facts about them.
Both Leukemia and Lymphoma are Blood Cancers
Both leukemia and lymphoma are cancers of the blood. Leukemia begins in the tissue that helps form the blood, often the bone marrow. Each year, around 61,000 cases of leukemia are diagnosed.
Lymphoma begins in the part of the immune system known as the lymph system. Therefore, it can start almost anywhere in the body.
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Starts in the lymph nodes and typically contains Reed-Sternberg cells. Around 8,500 new cases are diagnosed each year.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Starts in the immune system cells, and about 81,500 cases are diagnosed each year.
Older Adults Have a Higher Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Statistics find that the risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is higher in people 65 or older. Likewise, around 50% of cases of this cancer are in older adults.
Five Types of Leukemia
Leukemia can start in different cells, depending on which type it is. There are five types of leukemia:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia – Starts in the bone marrow and is more common in children.
- Acute myeloid leukemia – Starts in the bone marrow, then quickly spreads to the blood, and is more common in older adults.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia – A common type, accounting for almost 34% of all leukemias. Starts in the white blood cells and is common in older adults.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia – Starts in the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow and spreads to the blood. It’s one of the less common forms of leukemia.
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia – More common in older adults and occurs in the cells in the bone marrow that form the blood cells.
Treatment Options Vary
Without a doubt, the stage at which the cancer is, and the location of the cancer, play an important role in treatment options. Bone marrow transplants and immunotherapy are other treatment options. Likely paths to treatment are chemo and radiation.
Your Dad Needs Support With Personal Care
As your dad undergoes treatment for leukemia or lymphoma, he’s obviously going to need your support. He may feel sick or find it hard to get enough energy to do much of anything.
Your dad will also need help with personal care. Undeniably standing to take a shower can be an exhausting task. Likewise, make sure he has personal care at home aides to help him with showers, dressing, skincare, and oral care.
Personal care at home can help your dad navigate his care while undergoing treatments for lymphoma or leukemia. If he can focus on treatment plans and recovery without feeling alone, then it’s better for his cancer fight. Call an advisor to get prices and learn more about personal care at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Paradise Valley, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources at (602) 443-4700.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/about/key-statistics.html#
https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/leukemia-and-lymphoma-awareness-month
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/key-statistics.html
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