Skip to main content

This past Friday, actress and climate activist Jane Fonda took to Instagram to reveal that she had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at 84 years old. The actress shared that as painful as the diagnosis was, she considered herself lucky as she has “health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments”. This is opposed to millions of other people who received the same diagnosis and yet do not have access to the quality health care that Fonda is receiving. 

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in one’s lymphatic system, which forms part of the immune system, particularly the germ-fighting part. One type of white blood cell found in the body is called lymphocytes. Cancer can cause them to grow abnormally, creating tumors throughout their body.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, and it includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow.  The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; even these are broken down into subcategories.

non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Photo by Anna Tarazevich

As there are many different types of lymphoma so when it comes to classifying them, the World Health Organisation suggests that they be grouped in the following way;

  • The type of lymphocyte the lymphoma starts in
  • How lymphoma looks under a microscope
  • chromosome features of lymphoma cells
  • The presence of specific proteins on the surface of the cancer cells

What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

While doctors are aware of the risk factors associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, they’re not entirely sure what causes the disease, especially because there are so many different types of the condition. 

According to the American Cancer Society, changes in DNA and the immune system each play a role in the development of lymphoma. 

Am I at risk?

According to the American Cancer Society, the following factors can affect a person’s chance of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma:

  • Age – Most lymphoma cases occur in people 60 years of age and older. However, there are cases of lymphoma in younger people.
  • Gender – Men are more likely to develop NHL with research indicating that, in general, women have a 30% lower overall incidence of NHL.
  • Race – Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in Caucasians than in African Americans.
  • Family history
  • Radiation exposure
  • A weakened immune system 
  • Having an autoimmune disease
  • Breast Implants – Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that develops around breast implants and is common in patients with breast implants that have textured surfaces.

What are the symptoms of NHL? 

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:  

jane fonda

janefonda/instagram

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin area
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue 
  • Swollen abdomen (belly)
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Severe or frequent infections
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Night sweats

It’s important to reach out to a doctor if any of the above symptoms become persistent. They will run a series of tests, which include a physical examination and blood tests, followed by a biopsy before confirming your diagnosis.

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated? 

Depending on the type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, there are many different forms of treatment available. The aim of the treatment is to kill off the cancerous cells and prevent them from multiplying. 

Jane Fonda has opted for chemotherapy, which is a common treatment option for people with NHL as well as for those whose lymphoma comes back after their initial treatments. 

chemotherapy

Photo by Ivan Samkov

Other forms of treatment include radiation therapy, bone marrow transplants, immunotherapy as well as targeted drug therapy, and engineered immune cells. 

What’s the survival rate?

According to Jane Fonda’s Instagram post, 80% of people survive, yet official statistics place the overall five-year relative survival rate for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at 73%. 

How can I protect myself?

Sadly, there is no sure way to prevent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), especially because many of the risk factors aren’t modifiable. 

That said, the best way to protect yourself would be by protecting yourself against HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C infections, avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation, quitting smoking, and anointing a healthy weight by following a well-balanced diet and regularly exercising.

MAIN IMAGE CREDIT: janefonda/instagram

References

Horesh, N., & Horowitz, N. A. (2014). Does gender matter in non-hodgkin lymphoma? Differences in epidemiology, clinical behavior, and therapy. Rambam Maimonides medical journal, 5(4), e0038. https://doi.org/10.5041/RMMJ.10172

Pie Mulumba

Pie Mulumba

Pie Mulumba is a journalist graduate and writer, specializing in health, beauty, and wellness. She also has a passion for poetry, equality, and natural hair. Identifiable by either her large afro or colorful locks, Pie aspires to provide the latest information on how one can adopt a healthy lifestyle and leave a more equitable society behind.

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.

error: Content is protected !!