On Friday, Jane Fonda shared her non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments. Read to find out more about the disease.
What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma? is it curable?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of our body’s immune system. Cancer begins in the white blood cells or lymphocytes grows abnormally and forms tumors throughout the body, There are over 70 types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Common symptoms of cancer include chest pain. unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpits, or neck, fatigue, and fever.
The disease is curable and, as per the American Cancer Society, patients with the disease have a 73 percent survival rate after treatment. The chance of developing the disease is 1 in every 42 for men and 1 in 52 for women. However, the risk for an individual increases for those suffering from autoimmune diseases, weak immune systems, and exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. The disease can affect people of any age. However, those over the age of 65 have a higher risk.
More on Jane Fonda’s diagnosis
Jane Fonda on Friday shared details about her non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis on social media. The 84-year-old activist and actor confirmed that she has started chemotherapy treatments. “I realize, and it’s painful, that I am privileged in this. Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right,” she stated. She also called herself “lucky” for having access to health insurance, best doctors and treatments.
“We also need to be talking much more not just about cures but about causes so we can eliminate them. For example, people need to know that fossil fuels cause cancer. So do pesticides, many of which are fossil fuel-based, like mine,” she reminded people. “We’re living through the most consequential time in human history because what we do or don’t do right now will determine what kind of future there will be and I will not allow cancer to keep me from doing all I can, using every tool in my toolbox and that very much includes continuing to build this Fire Drill Fridays community and finding new ways to use our collective strength to make the change,” added Fonda.