Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month lasts all of September to bring awareness to those affected by these types of cancers. People often wear the color orange as a way to offer support for and take a stand with those impacted by leukemia or lymphoma. There are many types of leukemia and lymphoma, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
According to the American Association for Cancer Research, “CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. ALL is the most common type of leukemia in children.” Acute lymphocytic leukemia is also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1 in 1,000 people have a risk of developing it, with the risk being slightly higher in males than females.
With lymphoma, there are two different types of the disease: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Both types can occur in either adults or children. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma, yet is still a relatively rare disease overall, as 2.1 percent of men and women are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 0.2 percent of men and women are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at some point in their life.
Light The Night, an annual event held in D.C., allows everyone to gather to celebrate and remember those affected by blood cancers. The event is a one mile walk, and the money raised is used to fund cancer research and support for cancer patients and their families.
Along with Leukemia and Lymphoma having its own awareness month and designated events, there is also World Leukemia Day held on Sep. 4 and World Lymphoma Awareness Day held on Sep. 15 each year.
