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| The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a not-for-profit voluntary
health organization whose mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma,
multiple myeloma and Hodgkin's disease - and improve the quality
of life of patients and their families. The Society provides funding for
research, public and professional education, advocacy, patient aid
and community service programs. Leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and multiple myeloma are cancers that affect the blood-forming and infection fighting organs including the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. They appear as uncontrolled abnormal multiplication of abnormal blood cells. Last year these diseases struck more than 107,000 Americans and more than 60,000 died from them. Leukemia is the number-one disease killer of children but it affects many more adults than children. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute show that from the mid '70s into the '90s, lymphoma rates rose by more than 70%, which made it the third fastest rising cancer in the country during this period. While the cause of these cancers remains unknown, steady advances in research and treatment bring us closer to cures every day. Thirty years ago, there was no effective treatment for leukemia. Thanks in part to research funded by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia has improved from 4 percent in 1960 to 80 percent today. Leukemia research has even lead to potential cures for other forms of cancer. Bone marrow transplantation and chemotherapy - the backbone for treatment of most forms of cancer - stemmed from leukemia research. Your help is needed to ensure that this progress continues. For more information about leukemia, lymphoma or other blood-related cancers, contact one of the Society's 58 local chapters, call our toll-free public information resource line, 800-955-4572, or visit our website at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org. |
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