Survey Shows General Public More Worried About Cancer Today Than 10 Years Ago

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Lymphoma / Leukemia;  Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 29 Sep 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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New research has revealed we are more concerned about cancer now than we were 10 years ago - even though we know the outlook for anyone diagnosed with cancer today is more positive than ever1.

While respondents to the 'Changing Face of Cancer Survey' believe that the chances of living longer with cancer have improved in the past decade, the results reflect that the public is on average 15 per cent more worried about 10 different types of cancer now than 10 years ago1, announced Leukaemia CARE, a national charity that supports people affected by blood cancers. It emerged that blood cancer non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the cancer that worries people the least, which is ironic given that it is the nation's sixth most common cancer2 and has a faster growing incidence rate than bowel, stomach or cervical cancer3. In fact, 63 per cent of those surveyed did not know that NHL is a type of cancer and more than half (53 per cent) could not even hazard a guess as to what NHL is1.

Tony Gavin, CEO of Leukaemia CARE, commented: "It does trouble us that the severity and prevalence of NHL is not understood by the public - that many don't even recognise it as a form of cancer - because it is a disease with a high, and increasing, incidence. More than 10,000 new cases of NHL are diagnosed every year4."

"We're not suggesting people should worry more about NHL, or any cancer for that matter, but as people's general awareness of cancer improves, we would hope that this translates to them being more alert about their own health and having any physical changes checked out." "Our work is to ensure people do know about NHL, can recognise its symptoms and get the best possible care in a timely fashion," he said.

Professor Graham Jackson, Consultant Haematologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital, Newcastle, said: "NHL is a good example of a modern medicine success story. It is one of the more 'treatable' cancers, as it can be managed chronically, and has tangible symptoms, such as lumps in the groin, neck or armpit, excessive sweating, a persistent cough and itchy skin. Many of the symptoms can be mistaken for other things like flu, so having a check-up from a doctor quickly is critical."

"The survey results are interesting because people clearly know that getting cancer is no longer a death sentence, thanks to the many treatment advances that have been made," he added. "However, they also need to understand that the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome is likely to be for most types of cancer. Understanding the different cancers a little better could help reduce unnecessary worry."

The public are not the only ones in the dark on NHL in particular. Previous research with 300 GPs found that 41 per cent were unable to identify the symptoms of NHL and 31 per cent underestimated its incidence5.

The 'Changing Face of Cancer Survey' comprised two online polls conducted in August 2008 among representative samples of the UK population (872 and 1,000 people respectively). This activity was sponsored by Roche Products Ltd in collaboration with Leukaemia CARE. People affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma or any other blood cancer can contact Leukaemia CARE on its freephone CARE Line, ph: 0800 169 6680.

More survey findings

Only 12 per cent of those surveyed correctly identified NHL as a cancer of the blood or lymphatic system1 and 82 per cent of people were not aware that non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the sixth most common cancer in the UK1.

About non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Lymphomas are cancers that originate in cells in the lymph nodes of the lymphatic system, a series of fine vessels that drain fluid away from tissues and return it to the blood stream. Lymphoma results from the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Lymphomas were first identified in the 19th century by Dr Thomas Hodgkin. They are described as either Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from NHL by the presence of very distinctive abnormal cells called Reed Sternberg cells6.

NHL can be fast growing (high grade or "aggressive") or slow growing (low grade or "indolent"). It is slightly more common in men and can occur at any age, but incidence increases sharply in those aged over 504.

About Leukaemia CARE

Leukaemia CARE is a national charity that provides care and support to patients, their families and carers during the difficult journey through the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia,

lymphoma or an allied blood disorder. Leukaemia CARE provides the only dedicated, staffed, free, 24-hour phone CARE Line for patients and their families that enables people to discuss their feelings, concerns and emotions at such a difficult period of time. In addition, Leukaemia CARE is heavily involved with patient advocacy and provides information, holidays, discretionary financial support and has a network of Volunteers throughout the United Kingdom to ensure that there is local support wherever a patient and their family live. http://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk

1. Changing Face of Cancer Survey, conducted August 2008
2. Cancer Research UK, UK cancer incidence statistics for common cancers, accessed 23 September 2008
3. Cancer Research UK, Trends in UK cancer incidence statistics, accessed 23 September 2008
4. Cancer Research UK, UK Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma incidence statistics, accessed 23 September 2008
5. ICM GP Omnibus Survey conducted in August 2007
6. Leukaemia CARE website, accessed 23 September 2008,

Leukaemia CARE