Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 65,980 people (35,990 males and 29,990 females) will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009. This includes both adults and children.

The average American's risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma during his or her lifetime is about 1 in 50. Each person's risk may be affected by certain risk factors (listed in the next section).

Since the 1970s, incidence rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma have nearly doubled. Some of this increase is due to AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but for the most part the reason for the rise is not known. In recent years, the increase in non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases has been mainly in women.

Although some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are among the more common childhood cancers, over 95% of cases occur in adults. The types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma seen in children are often very different from that seen in adults. For more information, see our document, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children.

The average age at diagnosis is in the 60s, and around half of patients are older than 65. The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases throughout life. The aging of the American population is likely to lead to an increase in non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases during the coming years.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 19,500 people in the United States (9,830 males and 9,670 females) will die of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009.

Survival rates vary widely based on the type of lymphoma and stage of disease at the time of diagnosis. However, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 65%, and 10-year relative survival is 54%. (More detailed information about the prognosis for some types of lymphoma can be found in the section, "What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?")

The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Although many of these patients live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis, doctors use 5-year rates as a standard way of discussing prognosis. Five-year relative survival rates reflect the chances of not dying specifically from non-Hodgkin lymphoma (as opposed to other causes, such as heart disease). Because 5-year survival rates are based on patients first diagnosed and treated more than 5 years ago, the outlook for newly diagnosed patients may be better.

Last Medical Review: 07/17/2009
Last Revised: 07/17/2009