WHAT IS T-CELL LYMPHOMA?
According to the American Cancer Society, T-lymphoblastic (T-cell) Lymphoma is a Non-Hodgkin’s form of blood cancer that accounts for about 1% of all lymphomas.
It's most common in teens or young adults, with males being affected more often than females. It can be considered either a lymphoma or a type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), depending on how much of the bone marrow is involved (leukemias have more bone marrow involvement). The cancer cells are very early forms of T cells.
It often starts in the thymus (a small organ behind the breastbone and in front of the heart, which is where many T cells are made), and can grow into a large tumor in the mediastinum (the area between the lungs). This can cause trouble breathing and swelling in the arms and face.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023 are:
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About 80,550 people (44,880 males and 35,670 females) will be diagnosed with NHL. This includes both adults and children.
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About 20,180 people will die from this cancer (11,780 males and 8,400 females).
Overall, the chance that a man will develop NHL in his lifetime is about 1 in 43; for a woman, the risk is about 1 in 53.
HOW TO HELP
There are two things you can do to help those suffering with this disease:
DONATE BLOOD
Blood cancer patients often require numerous blood transfusions as the disease and the treatment can leave them in a compromised state. I would not have made it one year without the numerous blood donations I received. The American Red Cross says that one donation can save more than one life.
DONATE MONEY
There are a lot of charities out there so why this one? Because the type of cancer I had was rare, it does not get the same attention as some of the more widely known cancers like breast, colon, and prostate cancer. However, it is a deadly cancer with a high mortality rate. My parents will use 100% of your donation to fund targeted research into the treatment and cure of T-cell Lymphoma, and to encourage and assist patients in seeking a second opinion. Your contribution just may save their lives!