Hodgkin Lymphoma Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know

In 2022, it was estimated that about 8,540 people in the United States would be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and more than 900 would die of the disease that year. Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The survival rate has increased consistently since 1975.

This article will present facts and statistics you should know about Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Overview

Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight disease and infection.

There are different types of Hodgkin lymphoma. Knowing the specific type is important because this determines the treatment.

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma includes these subtypes:

• Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma
• Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare subtype. It is seen in about 5% of people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

How Common Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?

According to the National Cancer Institute, it was predicted that in 2022, there would be approximately 8,540 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma and about 920 deaths. From 2010 to 2019, the number of diagnoses had decreased each year. Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed in about 2.6 out of every 100,000 people.

Hodgkin Lymphoma by Ethnicity

Although cancer can affect everyone, statistics often are also broken down into race/ethnicity because there can be genetic associations in the condition or disparities in diagnosis and/or survival due to access to health care, systemic racism, and other issues.

The average annual rate of diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma per 100,000 people in the United States is:

• Non-Hispanic White: 2.9
• Non-Hispanic Black: 2.7
• Hispanic: 2.3
• American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7
• Asian and Pacific Islander: 1.3
  

Hodgkin Lymphoma by Age and Sex

Although Hodgkin lymphoma can affect both children and adults, it’s most common in two age groups:

• Early adulthood, especially those in their 20s
• Adults over 55

The average age of diagnosis is 39. It’s rare in those under 5, but in teens 15 to 19, it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Overall, more males than females are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma each year. Estimated new cases for 2022 were:

• 4,570 males
• 3,970 females
  

Causes of Hodgkin Lymphoma

While the causes of Hodgkin lymphoma are not definitive, some scientists think that infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may have something to do with it. EBV is a virus that can cause mononucleosis (mono). Nearly all adults in the United States have been infected by it.

Approximately 25% of those with classic Hodgkin lymphoma have lymphoma cells testing positive for EBV. The exact association is not known, though, because while most adults in the United States have been infected with EBV, most adults do not develop Hodgkin lymphoma.

Other risk factors can include:

• Age: Those between age 15 and 40 and over age 55 are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
• Sex: Males are a little more likely than females to be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, except for the nodular sclerosis type.
• Family history: People with a sibling with Hodgkin lymphoma have a higher risk than the average population of developing it, although the increased risk is very small.
  

What Are the Mortality Rates for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

It was predicted that about about 550 males and 370 females would die from Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022. The survival rate has been increasing since 1975 due to better treatments.

Prognosis and five-year survival rates also depend on the stage (how much cancer there is and how far the cancer has spread):

• Earliest stages (localized): 91% five-year survival rate
• Regional spread: 94% five-year survival rate
• Distant spread: 81% five-year survival rate

Overall, there is a five-year survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma of 88% in the United States.

Screening and Early Detection

There are no general, regular screenings for Hodgkin lymphoma. Many people start experiencing symptoms and then see a healthcare provider to find out the cause.

Sometimes there will be no symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, or symptoms may be caused by something else. If you have any symptoms that are a change from your normal health, talk with a healthcare provider.

A complete medical history and physical exam will be done. The healthcare provider will ask questions about symptoms you may be experiencing.

To diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma, a biopsy of a lymph node must be done. This involves removing a lymph node (or part of one) and analyzing it in the lab. Other tests that may be done to determine the stage of disease and other characteristics of the cancer include:

• Blood tests
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Uses a tracer to look for active cells
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images
• Lung function tests
• Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy (taking a sample of tissue for examination in a lab)
• Heart evaluations: May include an echocardiogram (uses sound waves) and/or a multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan (uses a radioactive trace to examine the heart chambers)

Summary

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infection and disease. The cause is not definitively known, but the Epstein-Barr virus may be a factor. There have been many improvements in treatment in the last few decades, which has resulted in improved overall survival.

There are no regular screening tools for this cancer. Many times, a person won’t be diagnosed until they start having persistent symptoms and see a healthcare provider.