Menu
12/09/2011
Lymphoma Treatment In Focus
Starting today, the Ulster Cancer Foundation is using Lymphoma Awareness Week to launch an initiative - including a new fact sheet - about the disease that affects more than 1,000 local people.
Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, said: "Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, part of the circulatory system. There are two basic types of lymphomas - Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"Lymphoma has one of the fastest rising incidence rates of any cancer and researchers are working hard to discover its exact cause.
"There are more than 35 known types of lymphoma so we want to make sure that people are aware of the most common symptoms," she said, adding: "These include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin; night sweats, high temperatures or fever, tiredness and persistent fatigue, coughs and breathlessness or an itch over the body with no rash."
Ailis Corey from Cookstown, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at just 26 years of age, experienced many of these symptoms.
Ailis explained: "I noticed that I was feeling very tired and drained but easily explained this away as the result of a demanding job and busy lifestyle.
"I also had enlarged nodes on my neck but as these weren't painful, I didn't pay much attention to them.
"When I did go to my GP the thought of a cancer diagnosis was the last thing on my mind.
"When you're young you feel invincible with your whole life ahead of you. Being told I had cancer was surreal - I never thought for one moment that I would be battling cancer at such a young age," she said, adding: "I was very lucky to start my treatment soon after I received my diagnosis.
"This involved six cycles of chemotherapy, which I had a very bad reaction to, and took the best part of six months.
"It was a very difficult and challenging experience but my family were so supportive every step of the way.
"It was at this stage that I started looking for help and support and came across the Ulster Cancer Foundation's Lymphoma Support Group.
"I'm now two years in remission, back at work and I've never felt better.
"I want to share my cancer story in the hope that it will help other young people who are facing a similar experience.
"It's important that people know that there is help, advice and support available to them," she said.
Liz Atkinson of UCF, added: "We are also hosting a Lymphoma Conference in association with the Irish Cancer Society in Dublin on Saturday 1st October.
"We are delighted that Ailis will be sharing her story and during the course of the day we will be profiling a range of beneficial therapies from laughter to complementary therapies as well as highlighting the best methods for coping with stress.
"Dr Greg Korpanty from the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin will provide an update and the latest treatments for lymphoma."
(BMcC/CD)
Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, said: "Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, part of the circulatory system. There are two basic types of lymphomas - Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"Lymphoma has one of the fastest rising incidence rates of any cancer and researchers are working hard to discover its exact cause.
"There are more than 35 known types of lymphoma so we want to make sure that people are aware of the most common symptoms," she said, adding: "These include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin; night sweats, high temperatures or fever, tiredness and persistent fatigue, coughs and breathlessness or an itch over the body with no rash."
Ailis Corey from Cookstown, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at just 26 years of age, experienced many of these symptoms.
Ailis explained: "I noticed that I was feeling very tired and drained but easily explained this away as the result of a demanding job and busy lifestyle.
"I also had enlarged nodes on my neck but as these weren't painful, I didn't pay much attention to them.
"When I did go to my GP the thought of a cancer diagnosis was the last thing on my mind.
"When you're young you feel invincible with your whole life ahead of you. Being told I had cancer was surreal - I never thought for one moment that I would be battling cancer at such a young age," she said, adding: "I was very lucky to start my treatment soon after I received my diagnosis.
"This involved six cycles of chemotherapy, which I had a very bad reaction to, and took the best part of six months.
"It was a very difficult and challenging experience but my family were so supportive every step of the way.
"It was at this stage that I started looking for help and support and came across the Ulster Cancer Foundation's Lymphoma Support Group.
"I'm now two years in remission, back at work and I've never felt better.
"I want to share my cancer story in the hope that it will help other young people who are facing a similar experience.
"It's important that people know that there is help, advice and support available to them," she said.
Liz Atkinson of UCF, added: "We are also hosting a Lymphoma Conference in association with the Irish Cancer Society in Dublin on Saturday 1st October.
"We are delighted that Ailis will be sharing her story and during the course of the day we will be profiling a range of beneficial therapies from laughter to complementary therapies as well as highlighting the best methods for coping with stress.
"Dr Greg Korpanty from the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin will provide an update and the latest treatments for lymphoma."
(BMcC/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 February 2012
New Study Reveals More People Surviving Leukaemia
New study reveals more people surviving leukaemia and pancreatic cancer in Northern Ireland. The first audit of leukaemia treatment and survival in Northern Ireland by the Cancer Registry (NICR) at Queen’s University Belfast has shown that survival rates for the disease here are at the highest levels since data collection began in 1993.
New Study Reveals More People Surviving Leukaemia
New study reveals more people surviving leukaemia and pancreatic cancer in Northern Ireland. The first audit of leukaemia treatment and survival in Northern Ireland by the Cancer Registry (NICR) at Queen’s University Belfast has shown that survival rates for the disease here are at the highest levels since data collection began in 1993.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
22 May 2019
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
09 September 2011
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
07 November 2008
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
