If you have non-Hodkin’s lymphoma (NHL), your outlook can depend on several factors. These include your age, the type of NHL, the cancer stage, and preexisting conditions or toxin exposure.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic system. If you or a loved one has received an NHL diagnosis, you might have a lot of questions about the long-term outcome.

Cancer researchers determine the survival rate for any type of cancer by analyzing cases to see how many people who receive a diagnosis are still alive 5 years later. Currently, the overall 5-year survival rate for NHL is 74%.

It’s important to remember that this percentage is just a ballpark range based on averages. Factors such as your age, the type of treatment you receive, and your cancer stage at the time of diagnosis all play a part in your personal outlook.

Let’s break down how each factor can influence your outlook when you have NHL.

Your age at the time of diagnosis has a lot to do with how your body will respond to treatment for NHL.

Younger age groups tend to have the best outcomes, statistically. Here are the 5-year survival rates (from time of diagnosis) for a few age groups:

  • Ages 15 through 39 years: 81.4%
  • Ages 40 through 64 years: 77.9%
  • Ages 65 through 74 years: 71.2%
  • Ages 75 years and older: 55.1%

There are several types of NHL, and survival rates will differ depending on which type you have. Here are a few of the main types:

  • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of NHL. Although it’s an aggressive type of cancer, 65% of people with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are still alive 5 years after their diagnosis.
  • Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing form of lymphoma that’s also considered common. People who receive a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma have a 90% survival rate at 5 years.
  • Marginal zone lymphoma is another slow-growing lymphoma. According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the average age at diagnosis is 60 years old. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society reports the following 5-year survival rates for subtypes of marginal zone lymphoma:
    • 88.7% for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
    • 79.7% for splenic marginal zone lymphoma
    • 76.5% for nodal marginal zone lymphoma

Often, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better your chances are of having a good treatment outcome.

The earliest stage of NHL is also called the localized stage. This is when the cancer is still limited to one lymph node or one organ outside your lymphatic system. When the cancer is diagnosed at this stage, the survival rate is 83.9% at 5 years.

If NHL is discovered in the regional stage, that means it has spread to at least two lymph nodes or has spread from one lymph node to a nearby organ. The 5-year survival rate for the regional stage is a bit lower, at 75.7%.

If NHL is diagnosed in the distant stage, it means that the cancer has spread to your lungs, liver, or bone marrow or to several lymph node areas. The distant stage has a 5-year survival rate of about 64.9%.

Some conditions and exposures can increase your chances of developing NHL. These risk factors include:

If you have NHL, preexisting conditions and previous exposure to harmful substances can affect your individual survival outlook. A healthcare professional can carefully evaluate your history and determine how these factors may affect your outlook.

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of NHL, you are not alone. There are many resources, such as support groups, for people who are receiving treatment for NHL and their families and loved ones.

You can start by connecting with a counselor or a group with whom you can discuss the emotional and physical realities of living with this condition. Some blogs and websites provide insight into what it’s like to live with lymphoma or to care for someone who has lymphoma.

There are also helplines you can call when things feel dark and you need to connect with someone who understands what you’re going through.

Knowing what to expect and drawing strength from others’ experiences can help you navigate treatment and recovery.

The outlook for NHL continues to improve, thanks to ongoing research and groundbreaking treatments. Survival rates are based on averages, so they do not account for individual factors such as your age and the specific type of NHL you have.

To get an idea of your outlook, you’ll need to speak with your oncologist about factors such as your health history and how aggressive your type of NHL is.