The news of former Las Vegas Raider Foster Moreau’s diagnosis with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brings awareness and testing into focus.
While most people have been touched by cancer, either personally or through having a loved one with the disease, cancer is not always something that’s top of mind. The team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers knows that it’s not good for one’s mental or physical health to dwell on potential illnesses like lymphoma. However; by putting them completely out of mind, many people forgo simple screenings that may detect diseases in earlier, more treatable stages.
The news of former Las Vegas Raider Foster Moreau’s diagnosis with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brings awareness and the benefits of testing into focus. For a young, healthy athlete like Moreau, cancer was likely not top of mind for Moreau. He was fortunate to have found the disease when having a physical prior to finalizing a new contract deal with the New Orleans Saints. Had he not joined a new team, his cancer may have gone undetected.
On the news, Moreau said:
“Through somewhat of a miraculous process, this free agency period has been life changing for me,” Moreau wrote. “During a routine physical conducted by the Saints’ medical team down in New Orleans, I’ve come to learn that I have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and will be stepping away from football … at this time to fight a new opponent: Cancer. I’m grateful for the support and thankful for people who have stood firm with me. There hasn’t been a single step I’ve taken without hundreds of people lighting the path before me, and I will continue to seek their guidance.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for all patients diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma is now about 89%. However, the cancer’s stage and the person’s age impact those rates, which made Moreau’s early detection a great benefit to his treatment options.
To better understand the cancer he’s been diagnosed with, here are some details about Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and tissues that help to fight infections and remove waste products from the body. Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, multinucleated cells that can be seen under a microscope.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts in the lymph nodes in one part of the body, such as the neck, chest, or underarms, and can then spread to other lymph nodes and organs. The most common symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include painless swelling of lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
There are several types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the treatment and outlook for the disease depend on the specific type and stage of the cancer. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. In some cases, stem cell transplantation may be recommended. With appropriate treatment, many people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be cured, and the prognosis for the disease is generally good.
If someone like Moreau, who’s only 25, can get cancer, it is a prime reminder of the importance of regular screenings and yearly checkups or physicals. . This starts with annual physical exams done by your primary physician. If you don’t already have one, get in contact with your insurance provider and find one to get started.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to wait until an annual physical if something seems to be off with your health. Do not ignore anything that is out of the ordinary, and get to a doctor to get to the bottom of what’s ailing you.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive provide a variety of treatment options for patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while offering groundbreaking clinical research for those who are eligible. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
