Educational Presentation

About LLS

Mission: To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LLS is a non-profit organization and advances its mission through RESEARCH and PATIENT SERVICES.

Cancer- Defined

A general term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and do not properly carry out their normal function. Cancer is not contagious.

Blood Cancers

Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues .

An estimated 957,000 people are currently living with blood cancers in the US.

Blood Cancers- Statistics

Approximately every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Every ten minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer.

Leukemia- Defined

Leukemia is a disease of the bone marrow, the spongy center of bones that makes blood cells.

In leukemia, the body makes too many abnormal (cancerous) white blood cells.

Leukemia- Signs and Symptoms

Easy bruising or bleeding Due to lack of platelets

Paleness or easy fatigueDue to lack of red blood cells

Recurrent infectionsDue to lack of functioning white blood cells

No symptoms

Leukemia- Causes and Incidence

The cause is not known; however, long term exposure to certain chemicals and large doses of radiation can cause the disease.

Leukemia is most common among adults over age 67.

Although cancer is rare in children, leukemia is the most common cancer in children less than 20 years old.

Leukemia- Treatment

ChemotherapyImmunotherapyStem Cell Transplants“Watch and Wait”Clinical TrialsRadiationTargeted therapy

Leukemia- Survival

Survival rates, overall, are higher in children than in adults.

In 1964, the five-year survival rate for children under age 15 was only 3%. Today, it has improved to 88% due to the advancements in treatment made possible by research.

Lymphoma- Defined

A group of related types of blood cancer.

In lymphomas, the abnormal (cancerous) white blood cells develop in the lymphatic system.

Lymphoma- Types

Hodgkin’s Disease

Non-Hodgkin’s LymphomaB-cell lymphoma (14 different types)NK cell lymphomaT-cell lymphomaImmunodeficiency-associated or post-transplant

lymphoproliferative disorders

Lymphoma- Signs and Symptoms

Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin area

Persistent fatigueRecurrent high feverNight sweatsWeight loss/loss of appetiteBone painExcessive itchingNo symptoms

Lymphoma- Causes and Incidence

The cause is not known, although long term exposure to certain chemicals and large doses of radiation can cause the disease.

The risk of NHL increases with age. The highest incidence of Hodgkin’s is among people between ages 20-35.

Organ transplants or HIV/AIDS can increase risk.

NHL is the 5th most common type of cancer in the US.

Lymphoma- Treatment

ChemotherapyImmunotherapyStem Cell Transplants“Watch and Wait”Clinical TrialsRadiationMonoclonal Antibodies

Lymphoma- Survival

Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer

Five-year survival rates for NHL are around 69%; however, this varies depending on a person’s age, other medical problems and the type of NHL.

Purpose of Pennies for Patients

1.Raise funds to find a cure

2.Teach students the power of giving together

3.Give students the opportunity to experience empathy in action

Pennies for Patients

Thank you for making a BIG difference in the lives of blood cancer patients!