Nearly 80 and 90 percent of adults
respectively don't associate lymphoma and myeloma as types of blood
cancer; LLS provides free blood cancer education and
resources for all and personalized support for patients, survivors,
families, and caregivers
RYE
BROOK, N.Y., Sept. 1,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- While a majority of adults
recognize leukemia as a blood cancer, a new survey* by The
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) found that a low
percentage of respondents associate the following diseases with a
blood cancer: lymphoma (including Hodgkin's lymphoma), myeloma,
myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms
(MPNs). During Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September, LLS is
increasing its year-round efforts to educate people about the many
types of blood cancer and is urging patients, survivors, family
members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to utilize its
wide array of free informational resources and support services
to help patients thrive through treatment and beyond.
Every three minutes someone in the US is diagnosed with a blood
cancer. Despite being the leading source of free blood cancer
information, education, and support for patients, survivors,
caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals, survey results
revealed that only one in four adults (26%) were aware of LLS and
its resources. And, when it came to associating certain diseases
with blood cancer, LLS's survey found that aside from leukemia,
awareness of other types of blood cancer was low as well. Notable
findings include:
- Nearly three in five adults (56%) associate leukemia with being
a blood cancer.
- One in five adults (19%) associate lymphoma with being a blood
cancer.
- Nearly one in five adults (18%) associate Hodgkin's lymphoma
with being a blood cancer.
- One in ten adults (10%) associate myelodysplastic syndromes
with being a blood cancer.
- One in ten adults (10%) associate myeloma with being a blood
cancer.
- One in ten adults (9%) associate myeloproliferative neoplasms
with being a blood cancer.
When faced with a diagnosis, it's important patients understand
their type of cancer so they can make informed decisions about
their health.
"Receiving the right information and support early when
diagnosed with a blood cancer is critical and can help lead to
better outcomes," said Gwen Nichols,
MD, LLS's Chief Medical Officer. "LLS experts are here to
support patients and families through every part of their blood
cancer experience, and we want as many people as possible to know
about the free resources available as they navigate diagnosis,
treatment and beyond."
LLS's offers patients, caregivers, and family members a wide
array of free support and resources about blood cancers. LLS
Information Specialists provide personalized support, including
disease and treatment education, can connect patients with
financial and travel assistance options, clinical trial guidance,
nutrition consultations, educational resources and more.
Over the past year, LLS has supported more than 90,000 people
affected by blood cancer including patients like Thomas Lancaster, who learned he had stage four
Hodgkin's lymphoma in late 2022. He says neither he or his
wife "knew anything about it and we feared the worst." Today is
proud to call himself a survivor and credits LLS's Information
Specialists as a key source of support for him and his family
throughout his cancer experience.
"LLS has been incredibly supportive of my wife, who was my main
caretaker, from my diagnosis and throughout my treatment. She
called LLS several times just to talk and learn as much as she
could — we're forever grateful," said Lancaster.
We encourage patients or families who would like to share their
stories to tag @llsusa in their social posts or submit their
stories online at Voices of LLS.
Additionally, LLS is the largest nonprofit funder of
leading-edge research for every type of blood cancer to improve
treatment options for patients and advocates on behalf of—and
with—blood cancer patients and their families, to make changes that
will address the serious burdens of these diseases.
To learn more about blood cancer or to donate, fundraise, or
volunteer for LLS, please visit LLS.org.
* LLS survey findings are based on results obtained from
online interviews with 1,036 respondents conducted from
February 24 – 27, 2023. This sample
of online adults (age 18 years or older) is balanced to be
representative of the U.S. population by gender, age, ethnicity,
and census region.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader
in the fight against blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality
of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood
cancer research around the world, provides free information and
support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients
seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout
the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org.
Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800)
955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9
p.m. ET.
LLS is the only organization featured in the nonprofit category
on both Fast Company's 2022 Brands That Matter list and
the 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators list. LLS stands
out among brands around the world for its relevancy, cultural
impact, ingenuity, and mission impact.
For additional information, visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
LinkedIn.
Contact: Melissa Valentino
mediarelations@lls.org
718-597-6977
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SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
