From Neck Pain to Cancer Diagnosis: CARE Hospitals Stresses Vigilance on World Lymphoma Day 2025

By Admin

17 Sep, 2025

Hyderabad, September 16, 2025: Each year on September 15, the global lymphoma community unites to observe World Lymphoma Awareness Day a day dedicated exclusively to spreading awareness about lymphoma, one of the most common types of blood cancer. The 2025 theme, “Spot the Signs, Save a Life,” carries a vital message: early recognition and timely treatment can dramatically improve survival outcomes.

CARE Hospitals has joined this global effort, urging individuals to pay attention to symptoms that might seem minor but could signal something serious. By fostering awareness, the hospital hopes to empower more people to act promptly and undergo necessary evaluations for better outcomes.

Lymphoma: A Growing Global and Indian Concern

Lymphoma continues to be a pressing health challenge worldwide. Globally, more than 6,30,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, accounting for nearly 3% of all cancer cases. In India, the burden is steadily rising, with over 60,000 new patients annually. Alarmingly, many present at advanced stages because symptoms are either overlooked or mistaken for everyday ailments.

Experts point to lifestyle factors, delayed diagnosis, and limited awareness as major contributors to the growing disease load. These realities highlight the urgent need for continuous public education and regular health check-ups.

A Case That Speaks Volumes

A 66-year-old woman’s journey at CARE Hospitals illustrates the importance of vigilance. Initially consulting doctors for persistent neck and shoulder pain, she underwent scans that revealed a cervical spine mass. Surgical evaluation confirmed B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Further testing with a whole-body PET-CT scan showed that the disease had spread to her chest and abdomen lymph nodes. Despite this, timely treatment with six cycles of chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy led to complete remission. She now continues on regular follow-up and enjoys an improved quality of life.

Expert Insights: Why Early Detection Matters

Dr. M A Suboor Shaherose, Consultant Medical and Hemato Oncologist at CARE Hospitals, explained,
“Lymphoma can mimic everyday problems like back or neck pain, prolonged fever, or unexplained fatigue. People often delay specialist evaluation because the early signs don’t seem serious. This year’s theme reminds us that spotting the signs early can truly save lives.”

He further emphasized,
“Early intervention is key. With advances in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies, outcomes are far better than before. Patients who seek timely care not only respond better to treatment but also maintain a higher quality of life. At CARE Hospitals, our mission is to deliver the best clinical outcomes while supporting patients through every step of their journey.”

Understanding Lymphoma: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a critical part of the body’s immune defense. It is broadly classified into Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with further subtypes such as B-cell and T-cell lymphomas.

Classic symptoms include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
  
  

• Persistent fever
  
  

• Drenching night sweats
  
  

• Unexplained weight loss
  
  

• Abdominal pain or swelling
  
  

• Lasting fatigue
  
  

Unusual presentations, like neck or back pain, may also be early warning signs.

Diagnosis requires a lymph node biopsy preferably an excision biopsy along with staging tests such as a whole-body PET-CT scan and, when needed, bone marrow studies.

Treatment and Hope for Patients

Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease. Options include:

• Chemotherapy
  
  

• Targeted therapies
  
  

• Monoclonal antibodies
  
  

• Radiation therapy
  
  

• Bone marrow transplantation for relapsed cases
  
  

• Cutting-edge approaches like CAR T-cell therapy for resistant forms
  
  

With advances in treatment, survival rates and quality of life have significantly improved, especially when the disease is detected early.

Prevention and Lifestyle Awareness

While lymphoma cannot always be prevented, proactive steps can make a difference:

• Schedule regular health check-ups
  
  

• Pay attention to persistent or unusual symptoms
  
  

• Maintain a balanced diet
  
  

• Engage in regular physical activity
  
  

These measures improve overall health and increase the chances of early detection.

CARE Hospitals’ Commitment

CARE Hospitals, one of India’s leading healthcare networks, offers comprehensive cancer care across 17 facilities in seven cities. With state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, advanced therapies, and a patient-centered approach, the hospital continues to play a pivotal role in India’s fight against cancer.

On World Lymphoma Day 2025, CARE Hospitals reiterates a simple yet powerful message: “Spot the Signs, Save a Life.” By staying alert and seeking timely medical care, countless lives can be saved.