New national data shows that survival for people with lymphoma has improved significantly over the past several decades. Rising survival rates reflect advances in diagnosis and treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society’s latest cancer statistics, the five-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has risen steadily, reaching 74 percent for those diagnosed in recent years. This means 74 percent of people with NHL are still alive five years after diagnosis, compared with people of the same age in the general population. This data refers to NHL collectively, rather than any one specific type of NHL.

That’s a significant increase compared with the mid-1970s, when the five-year relative survival rate was 47 percent, and the mid-1990s, when the rate was 56 percent.

Similarly, five-year relative survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma have reached 89 percent, up from 72 percent in the mid-1970s and 84 percent in the mid-1990s.

These gains mean that today, many people with lymphoma are living longer than ever before. Although outcomes still vary widely, advances in treatment have improved long-term outlooks for many people living with the disease.

Why Survival Has Improved

Survival rates for lymphoma have improved significantly over the past several decades, in part because of major advances in treatment. Researchers point especially to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells while causing fewer side effects than older treatments.

Additionally, earlier diagnosis has also played an important role. Improved imaging, more precise lab tests, and greater awareness of lymphoma symptoms have helped more people receive a diagnosis at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Together, advances in treatment, earlier detection, and overall improvements in cancer care have contributed to steadily declining death rates from lymphoma over time.

Learn more about treatment options for lymphoma.

What Affects Lymphoma Survival?

A person’s lymphoma prognosis (outlook) depends on multiple factors, including:

• The type of lymphoma they have
• The stage of their lymphoma
• Their age
• Their overall health

Survival statistics based on large groups of people can provide helpful context, but they can’t predict what will happen for any one person. Talk with your hematologist-oncologist or cancer care team to better understand the factors that shape your individual outlook.

What This Means for People Living With Lymphoma

If you’re living with lymphoma, these survival trends may offer reassurance that treatment options and outcomes are improving over time. Still, decisions about treatment and follow-up care are personal. Work in partnership with your cancer care team, who understands the details of your situation.

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