Do you know your nodes?

Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in Canada and one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide, but few people are aware of it, according to Lymphoma Foundation Canada (LFC).

The symptoms of lymphoma can be similar to the flu. Anyone concerned about prolonged symptoms such as swelling in the neck, underarm region or groin, weight loss and tiredness should speak to their doctor.

The Know Your Nodes quiz can help you identify symptoms like that. Linda Youden of Halifax, NS, took the quiz, for example, and was later diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. “Knowing my nodes may have saved my life,” she says.

I learned a thing or two myself. For example, did you know that a lymph node is a small, jelly bean-shaped organ that can grow in size?