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Agencies That Help People With Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin's disease (also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a cancer of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Thanks to recent advances in treatment, the disease can be managed much more successfully now than in the past; according to the "Professional Guide to Diseases," the five-year survival rate for Hodgkin's as of 2005 was roughly 80 percent. Coping with Hodgkin's, however, is still a difficult experience. There are a variety of support groups and organizations where you can talk to people who know what you're going through and can offer you advice or help.

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    • Hodgkin's disease is most commonly diagnosed in young adults between age 15 and 38 and in people over age 50. Painless swelling in lymph nodes, unexplained fatigue and weight loss, night sweats, chronic itching and trouble breathing or chest pain are among the possible symptoms. Because these symptoms resemble those of many other disorders, doctors will usually need to perform a biopsy and/or other tests to diagnose the disease. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatments and their success depends on how far the disease has progressed at time of diagnosis.

    Lymphoma Research Foundation

    • The Lymphoma Research Foundation is a national organization that supports lymphoma research and provides resources for patients. Local chapters of the LRF offer patient education programs that help you understand your options; the national organization offers brochures, webcasts and teleconferences for patients seeking information. The LRF also matches lymphoma patients with volunteers who have survived Hodgkin's through the Lymphoma Support Network.

    Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

    • The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is another patient advocate organization that funds lymphoma research and helps patients with Hodgkin's. Among their other services, the LLS provides a call center hotline for patients; representatives at the center will put you in touch with a local chapter of the organization or with other groups that can help. There are more than 230 support groups around the country that are affiliated with LLS; their "First Connection" program is similar to the Lymphoma Support Network in that it matches newly diagnosed patients with volunteer survivors who know what you're going through and may be able to offer you advice.

    National Cancer Institute

    • The National Cancer Institute is part of the federal government's National Institutes of Health; their website is a great resource with lots of information on Hodgkin's disease and many other cancers. Like the LLS, the NCI has a public hotline; you can call with any questions you may have about Hodgkin's at 800-422-6237.

    American Cancer Society

    • The American Cancer Society is a volunteer organization dedicated to eliminating all forms of cancer--including Hodgkin's disease. Like the NCI, they offer information and resources on cancer and have a 24-hour hotline you can call at 800-ACS-2345 with questions about Hodgkin's or cancer treatment. There are many other support groups and organizations devoted to assisting cancer patients; your doctor or health care provider may be able to recommend local groups that can help you cope with the challenge of Hodgkin's disease as well.

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