On World Lymphoma Awareness Day (September 15), the Leukaemia Foundation is joining forces with Gold Coast author, content creator, motivational speaker and inspiring lymphoma survivor, Briony Benjamin.
As a national ambassador for the Leukaemia Foundation, Briony is hoping to raise much-needed awareness of lymphoma - the most diagnosed form of blood cancer in Australia – and is encouraging anyone impacted by the disease to reach out to the Leukaemia Foundation for support.
With over 65,200 Australians currently living with lymphomai, World Lymphoma Awareness Day provides an opportunity for the Leukaemia Foundation to educate people on the signs and symptoms of the disease, which can often be subtle and difficult to recognise.
Common lymphoma symptoms include painless lumps around the lymph nodes usually in the neck, armpit or groin that may be dismissed as harmless. Other symptoms are night sweats, recurrent infections or fevers, and even itchy skin.
As someone who was misdiagnosed several times before eventually being told she had lymphoma, Briony believes that because the disease can be difficult to spot, it's especially important to listen to your body and to act when something doesn't feel right.
The Leukaemia Foundation encourages Australians to speak to your GP if you have ongoing symptoms that can't be explained. The sooner that a blood cancer diagnosis occurs, the greater chance people have of beating the disease.
Anyone impacted by lymphoma, or any type of blood cancer can contact Australia's blood cancer support line Monday to Friday via calling 1800 620 420 or visit bloodcancer.org.au.
