No One Should have to Navigate Lymphoma Alone

September 14, 2026

World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2026

Patient navigation, practical support and early diagnosis are the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA’s) focus as South Africa joins the global lymphoma awareness campaign on 15 September 2026.

For someone diagnosed with lymphoma, hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ is the beginning of what can be an overwhelming experience. A diagnosis is followed not just by the question of treatment, it is rapidly complicated by questions about appointments, transport, accommodation and emotional support.

This World Lymphoma Awareness Day, observed annually on 15 September, CANSA is joining the global call to ensure that no person affected by lymphoma has to navigate their diagnosis, treatment and recovery alone.

Under the international theme “Navigating Lymphoma and CLL Together”, this year’s awareness campaign focuses on the difficulties faced by people living with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and the importance of connecting patients and their families with reliable information, compassionate guidance and practical support.

“For CANSA, the message is particularly relevant in South Africa,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager: Health Programmes. “Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is among the 10 most frequently diagnosed cancers affecting both men and women in this country.”

Understanding lymphoma

Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, an important part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow and other tissues that help protect the body against infection.

The two main categories are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each of which includes different subtypes. Lymphoma can occur at any age, although its characteristics, treatment and likely outcomes vary depending on the type diagnosed.

According to the National Cancer Registry’s 2024 data, non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the seventh most frequently diagnosed cancer among South African men and the eighth among women. The registry recorded 1 251 cases among men and 1 095 among women, a combined total of 2 346 cases. It also recorded 659 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma in the same year.

Recognising the warning signs

Symptoms of lymphoma can resemble those of other illnesses, which means they are not always immediately recognised. Possible warning signs include:

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, often without pain
Persistent or unexplained fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or recurring infections
Drenching night sweats
Persistent itching
Abdominal swelling or discomfort
A cough, chest discomfort or shortness of breath

Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that someone has lymphoma. However, symptoms that persist, worsen or have no clear explanation should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Early medical assessment can help ensure that people receive the investigations and referrals they need without unnecessary delay.

When finding your way becomes part of the challenge

The international campaign draws on findings from the 2026 Global Patient Survey on Lymphoma and CLL, which highlight the challenges patients experience throughout their cancer journey. According to the campaign material:

33% of respondents waited more than three months for a diagnosis after first seeking medical attention
41% experienced a barrier to treatment, including travel difficulties, waiting times and the disruption of everyday responsibilities
92% experienced physical side effects related to treatment
86% experienced emotional difficulties, including anxiety, fear of their cancer returning or progressing, and concerns about compromised immunity

Says Govender: “These challenges may be compounded in South Africa by the distances patients need to travel for specialist treatment, uncertainty about referral pathways, financial pressure and limited access to information or psychosocial support.”

Patient navigation in Durban

To mark World Lymphoma Awareness Day, CANSA is planning a patient-navigation activation at Victoria Mxenge Hospital, formerly King Edward VIII Hospital, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The activation is intended to highlight the role patient navigation can play in helping people understand their diagnosis, access appropriate information and support, find their way through healthcare services, and manage the practical and emotional challenges associated with cancer.

Support beyond the diagnosis

CANSA supports people affected by lymphoma and other cancers through a range of services designed to respond to the realities of living with cancer. These include cancer education and awareness initiatives, patient navigation and support, clinical counselling, psychosocial support and accommodation at CANSA Care Homes for patients who need to receive treatment away from home with meals and transport to treatment facilities available. Accommodation arrangements and any applicable fees should be confirmed directly with CANSA.

CANSA also offers free, confidential tele-counselling for cancer patients, caregivers and family members, alongside educational resources and downloadable information available through its website.

Join the ‘No Patient Travels Alone’ pledge

As part of the international campaign, people living with lymphoma or CLL, their loved ones and healthcare professionals are invited to support the “No Patient Travels Alone” pledge.

Participants are encouraged to reflect on the challenges they have experienced during diagnosis, treatment or life beyond treatment, and to share messages of support that remind others they do not have to face those challenges alone.

References

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230)

< Older Post