This Tuesday, September 15th, is the World Lymphoma Day. Do you know what this is about? Is it a cancer and there's only one guy? The truth is, it's not contagious, and it can be cured. Here are five broken myths.
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15/09/2026
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Lymphoma: 5 myths explained
Myth 1 – Lymphoma is a unique and rare disease
The explanation: “One of the biggest misconceptions is to consider lymphoma as a specific disease. In fact, “lymphoma” is a broad term that encompasses more than 70 different types of blood cancer. As mentioned, these cancers are widely classified as Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but within these categories there are numerous subtypes, each with their own characteristics, growth patterns and treatment protocols.”
Myth 2 – Swollen lymph nodes are always lymphoma
The explanation: “It is true that a common symptom of lymphoma is lymph node swelling, particularly in the neck, armpits or groin. However, it is a significant leap to assume that any swollen lymph nodes are cancer. Lymph nodes are a vital part of the immune system and often swell in response to common infections such as colds, flus or skin infections.”
Myth 3 – Lymphoma is always fatal
The explanation: “ A cancer diagnosis is always serious, but the belief that lymphoma is an automatic death sentence is outdated and incorrect. Advances in medical science have transformed the treatment of lymphoma and, for many subtypes, the prognosis is very good. Many types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, for example, have high cure rates, especially when diagnosed early.”
Myth 4- All people with lymphoma look sick
The explanation: “The image of a cancer patient is usually that of visible frailty and disease. However, this is not always the case with lymphoma, especially in its early stages. Many people with lymphoma appear and feel perfectly healthy. The signs and symptoms of lymphoma can be subtle and easily confused with other less severe diseases.”
Myth 5- Lymphoma is contagious
The explanation: “Cancer, including lymphoma, is not a contagious disease. You cannot “get” lymphoma from someone who has it or transmit it to other people. Lymphoma is caused by abnormal changes in the body’s own cells and is not an infectious agent like a virus or bacteria.”