Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Incidence

Lymphoma tumor cells (NCI)

In epidemiology, "incidence rate" is a measure of how many people within a given population will develop a disease or other condition during a specified period of time. It is, essentially, a measurement of risk.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 65,980 new cases of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma will be diagnosed in 2009. This represents 89% of all lymphomas, and 4% of all cancers diagnosed. It is the seventh most common cancer in the United States.

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

• The chance of developing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma during your lifetime is 1 in 50, or 2%. However, this percentage increases if you have one or more risk factors for the disease.
• NHL is more prevalent in males than females–55% of lymphoma diagnoses are for male patients
• Of those diagnosed with the disease, 95% are adults and 5% are children
• It is more prevalent in patients over the age of 60
• The average age at diagnosis is 65
• Due to aging of the "baby boom" population, the incidence of NHL is expected to rise in the coming years

Lymphoma is a well-researched subject and many statistics are published annually. For the most up-to-date and complete statistical information on lymphoma, please see the resources listed at the bottom of the page.

Lymphoma statistics resources

• NCI SEER non-Hodgkin statistics
• Statistics from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Related Articles

• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas
• Lymphoma Classification and Typing
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Diagnosis
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Aggressive Lymphomas
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Indolent Lymphomas
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Resources