According to a story from Buzzfeed News, actor and activist Jane Fonda, age 84, recently announced that she was diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She has begun treating the cancer with chemotherapy. In recent years, Jane has made headlines as a prominent environmental and climate change activist, and she says that the diagnosis and treatment will not stop her from continuing her work in this realm.

About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that, in some cases, can grow rapidly. This cancer affects a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. As non-Hodgkin lymphoma can include any type of lymphoma that is not Hodgkin’s lymphoma, they have a diverse array of causes. Risk factors for the development of these cancers include infections by certain viruses and bacteria, exposure to chemicals such as herbicides, prior autoimmune diseases, prior radiation or chemotherapy, and some genetic conditions. Symptoms may include itching, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Treatment often includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and, less commonly, immunotherapy. The five year survival rate for these cancers is around 71 percent in the US. To learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma, click here.

Jane Faces off Against Rare Cancer

While Jane is at an advanced age, the survival rate for this group of cancers is relatively high, and she has access to top of the line treatments.

 “Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right.” – Jane

Her chemotherapy regimen is expected to last six months. Ever an activist, Jane made a point to highlight the cancer causing effects of burning fossil fuels, pollution, and pesticide exposure. 

“We’re living through the most consequential time in human history because what we do or don’t do right now will determine what kind of future there will be.”