Early diagnosis saves lives in lymphoma disease.

On September 15, Eskişehir Provincial Health Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bildirici, who made a statement regarding World Lymphoma Awareness Day, emphasized the vital importance of consulting a health institution when unusual changes are noticed in the body and when there are unusual, persistent symptoms.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bildirici stated in his remarks for World Lymphoma Awareness Day on September 15 that the lymphatic system plays an important role in the body’s fight against germs. He explained that the cancer of the lymphatic system, which develops due to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells called lymphocytes, is referred to as ‘Lymphoma’. He mentioned that approximately 7,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma every year in Turkey. He emphasized that lymphoma is among the top ten most common types of cancer in both men and women and constitutes 15% of childhood cancers.

On World Lymphoma Awareness Day, designated to address the lack of information about lymphoma disease, raise awareness, and draw attention to the psychosocial challenges faced by patients, Bildirici highlighted the importance of early diagnosis. He stated that the exact cause of lymphomas is unknown, but aging, gender, family history, exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, weakened immune system, and some infections may be risk factors for the disease.

Bildirici noted that the most common symptom of lymphoma is painless swelling of lymph nodes, which can be observed in the neck, armpits, and groin areas. He also added that unexplained fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and skin itching are among the symptoms of lymphoma. He pointed out that these symptoms could also be associated with other diseases and emphasized that individuals experiencing such complaints should definitely consult a health institution.

Although there is no accepted screening method for the early detection of lymphoma, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bildirici stressed the vital importance of consulting a health institution when unusual changes are noticed in the body and when there are unusual, persistent symptoms, stating that the observed findings do not always indicate cancer. However, based on the principle that ‘Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives’, he emphasized that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more favorable the outcomes will be.