Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic tissue.
The cancer causes damage to the lymphocytes, a type of white-blood cell, causing them to grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably. This causes tumours to form on lymph nodes, the glands which form part of the immune system.
People diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma have a five year survival rate of 71 per cent.
Most causes of the disease are unknown, however auto-immune disorders and a diet high in animal fats have been found to increase the risk of developing the disease.
The risk of developing the disease increases with age, with the most common diagnosis occurring in those aged over 65. The risk of being diagnosed by the age of 85 is one in 42.
Almost 4000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma each year in Australia.
In Queensland, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is expected to be the seventh most common cancer diagnosed this year.
In Australia in 2007, there were 1319 deaths caused by non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 70 deaths caused by Hodgkin lymphoma.
Source: Cancer Council, Queensland Health
- Surfer Lea Kirkwood Kirkwood, was diagnosed with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2002.
- Cronulla Sharks rugby league player Jon Mannah, died from Hodgkin lymphoma, aged 23, in January 2013.
- Test cricketer Simon O'Donnell was found to have non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1987, at age 24.
- Welsh-Australian actor Andy Whitfield died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Sydney in September 2011.
- with AAP