Changing times: 40 years on

In our latest podcast Professor David Linch, Emeritius Professor at University College London talks to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook. As Lymphoma Action celebrates its 40th anniversary year they discuss how things have changed clinically, with Professor Linch commenting how lymphoma was seen as a mysterious disease with little information available for patients to learn more about it. The Charity started with two patients who found comfort in talking to each other about their Hodgkin’s disease. This expanded to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a patient, Tim Hilder, who introduced the helpline and registered the charity 40 years ago as the Hodgkin’s Disease Association. This small group, with the support of eminent clinician Dr Tony Jeliffe and Dr Gillian Vaugan Hudson were able to provide trustworthy information and support, which is still very much at the heart of the Charity today. In the podcast, Professor Linch talks about how treatment has changed over this time, believing that a key change was in the late 60s/early 70s when combination chemotherapy was introduced. Another major step was the improvement of supportive care, meaning that more people were able to tolerate cancer treatment. Professor Linch felt that Lymphoma Action has been key in providing information and support for people affected by lymphoma over the last 40 years and that the Charity’s introduction of the Lymphoma Clinical Nurse Specialist programme has been one of the most important developments for people affected by lymphoma.Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences. Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk