In the United States, about 65,980 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (including adults and children) will be diagnosed in 2009. About 460 of these will be in children under age 15.

About 4.3% of childhood cancers are non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

About 70% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs in boys, and it is about 40% more common in white children than black children. The reasons for these gender and racial differences are not known. The number of children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases with age.

The 5-year survival rate for children and adolescents younger than age 20 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma ranges from around 70% for anaplastic lymphoma to around 85% to 90% for the others. The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Five-year rates are used to produce a standard way of discussing prognosis (outlook for recovery and survival). Of course, many people live much longer than 5 years. Five-year survival rates are based on patients diagnosed and initially treated more than 5 years ago. Improvements in treatment often result in a more favorable outlook for recently diagnosed patients.

Last Medical Review: 03/08/2007
Last Revised: 05/12/2009