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)