Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed most often in adults, with an average age of about 67, and it can occur at any age. In the U.S., about 80,550 new cases were diagnosed in 2023, and men are 25% more likely than women. Many people first notice painless lymph node enlargement, while others may develop “B symptoms” like fever, night sweats, or weight loss. This page explains how risk factors, subtype classification, and treatments such as R-CHOP shape outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Common symptoms include painless lymphadenopathy in 70-80% of patients at diagnosis.
- B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss >10%) present in 20-30% of NHL patients.
- LDH elevation occurs in 40-50% of aggressive NHL cases.
- In 2023, approximately 80,550 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed in the United States, representing about 4% of all new cancer cases.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for 4% of all new cancer cases in the US, with men being 25% more likely to be diagnosed than women.
- The average age at diagnosis for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 67 years old, though it can occur at any age.
- 5-year OS with R-CHOP in limited-stage DLBCL: 80-90%.
- Overall 5-year survival for NHL improved from 53% (2000) to 74% (2019).
- DLBCL 5-year OS 63%, follicular 88%, MCL 58%.
- Immunosuppression increases NHL risk 50-100 fold.
- HIV infection raises NHL risk by 50-200 times.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated with 70-80% of HIV-related NHL.
- R-CHOP standard for CD20+ DLBCL, response 90-95% initial.
- Rituximab maintenance post-remission prolongs PFS by 50% in follicular.
- Autologous stem cell transplant CR rate 50% in relapsed DLBCL.
In the US, about 80,550 new non Hodgkin lymphoma cases are diagnosed yearly, with survival improving.
Related reading
01 · Category
Diagnosis And Staging25 stats
01
Common symptoms include painless lymphadenopathy in 70-80% of patients at diagnosis.
02
B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss >10%) present in 20-30% of NHL patients.
03
LDH elevation occurs in 40-50% of aggressive NHL cases.
04
Excisional biopsy is gold standard, providing architecture in 95% accuracy.
05
Flow cytometry detects clonality in 90% of B-cell NHL.
06
PET-CT staging sensitivity 90-95% for FDG-avid lymphomas.
07
Bone marrow involvement in 30-40% of DLBCL, 50-60% of follicular.
08
Ann Arbor staging: Stage I 15%, II 20%, III 30%, IV 35% at diagnosis.
09
IPI score: low risk 35%, low-intermediate 30%, high-intermediate 20%, high 15%.
10
Cytogenetic abnormalities like t(14;18) in 85-90% follicular lymphoma.
11
Immunophenotyping: CD20+ in 90% B-cell NHL.
12
MRI used for spinal cord involvement in 10% CNS lymphomas.
13
FLIPI prognostic index: high risk >3 factors in 20-25%.
14
MYC rearrangements in 10-15% DLBCL, double-hit 5%.
15
Lumbar puncture for staging in 15-20% high-risk cases.
16
Ki-67 proliferation index >40% indicates aggressive disease in 60% cases.
17
Extranodal sites involved in 40% at diagnosis, GI 17%, skin 11%.
18
NCCN IPI for DLBCL: age-adjusted versions improve discrimination.
19
BCL2 overexpression in 60% DLBCL, prognostic in 30%.
20
CT scan detects nodes >1.5cm in 80% cases.
21
Revised IPI: 5-year OS 94% very good risk, 55% poor risk.
22
TP53 mutations in 20-30% DLBCL, adverse prognosis.
23
Endoscopy for GI involvement in 25% suspected cases.
24
Hans algorithm classifies 90% DLBCL as GCB or ABC.
25
Serum beta-2 microglobulin >3mg/L in 40% advanced disease.
Interpretation
Diagnosis And Staging Interpretation
For diagnosis and staging in non Hodgkin lymphoma, most patients present with painless lymph node swelling in 70 to 80 percent of cases and while B symptoms appear in only 20 to 30 percent, PET CT can stage FDG avid disease with 90 to 95 percent sensitivity and excisional biopsy provides architecture with about 95 percent accuracy.
02 · Category
Epidemiology30 stats
01
In 2023, approximately 80,550 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed in the United States, representing about 4% of all new cancer cases.
02
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for 4% of all new cancer cases in the US, with men being 25% more likely to be diagnosed than women.
03
The average age at diagnosis for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 67 years old, though it can occur at any age.
04
Worldwide, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the 11th most common cancer, with 544,000 new cases reported in 2020.
05
Incidence rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been stable in the US since the mid-2000s, at around 19.5 per 100,000 in men and 13.7 per 100,000 in women.
06
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, comprising about 30-40% of all cases.
07
In Europe, the age-standardized incidence rate of NHL is 12.5 per 100,000 for men and 9.1 for women.
08
Pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma represents 3-5% of all childhood cancers, with Burkitt lymphoma being prominent.
09
From 2015-2019, the 5-year relative survival rate for NHL in the US was 74.3% overall.
10
NHL incidence is highest in developed countries, with rates up to 20 per 100,000 compared to 5 per 100,000 in developing regions.
11
In the US, white individuals have a higher incidence of NHL at 20.4 per 100,000 versus 13.6 for Black individuals.
12
Follicular lymphoma accounts for 20-25% of NHL cases in Western countries.
13
Global burden of NHL led to 259,793 deaths in 2020.
14
NHL is more common in males with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1.
15
In Asia, NHL incidence is lower at 6-8 per 100,000, with T-cell lymphomas more prevalent.
16
Mantle cell lymphoma comprises 5-10% of NHL cases.
17
From 1975-2019, NHL incidence in US increased 83% before stabilizing.
18
In 2022, Australia reported 4,500 new NHL cases.
19
NHL is the 7th most common cancer in the UK, with 13,800 cases in 2017.
20
Age-adjusted incidence of extranodal NHL is rising faster than nodal forms.
21
In Latin America, NHL incidence averages 10-15 per 100,000.
22
Marginal zone lymphoma represents 7-8% of NHL.
23
US veterans have 1.5 times higher NHL risk due to exposures.
24
In 2020, China reported 75,000 new NHL cases.
25
Burkitt lymphoma is 1-2% of adult NHL but 30-40% of pediatric.
26
Incidence peaks bimodal: young adults and over 60.
27
In Africa, endemic Burkitt lymphoma incidence is high in children.
28
NHL DALYs globally: 8.4 million in 2019.
29
US Hispanic population NHL rate: 12.9 per 100,000.
30
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma: 10% of NHL in West.
Interpretation
Epidemiology Interpretation
From an epidemiology standpoint, non Hodgkin lymphoma remains a steady presence in the United States, making up about 4% of new cancer cases and showing stable incidence rates since the mid 2000s at roughly 19.5 per 100,000 in men and 13.7 per 100,000 in women, with diffuse large B cell lymphoma accounting for around 30 to 40% of diagnoses.
03 · Category
Prognosis And Survival30 stats
01
5-year OS with R-CHOP in limited-stage DLBCL: 80-90%.
02
Overall 5-year survival for NHL improved from 53% (2000) to 74% (2019).
03
DLBCL 5-year OS 63%, follicular 88%, MCL 58%.
04
High IPI score (4-5) 5-year OS 32% vs 73% low risk.
05
Transformed follicular to DLBCL median OS 2-3 years post-transformation.
06
Burkitt lymphoma 5-year OS 60-70% adults, 90% children with intensive therapy.
07
Relapsed DLBCL post-ASCT median OS 12 months.
08
Mantle cell proliferative subtype median OS 3.5 years vs 12 years indolent.
09
CNS relapse in DLBCL 5-year OS <20%.
10
Elderly (>70) DLBCL with R-CHOP 5-year OS 47%.
11
Double-hit lymphoma 2-year OS 25% vs 70% standard DLBCL.
12
ABC subtype DLBCL 5-year OS 55% vs 75% GCB.
13
Stage IV follicular 10-year PFS 50% with rituximab maintenance.
14
HIV-NHL with HAART 5-year OS 50-60%.
15
TP53 mutated DLBCL median PFS 1 year vs 5 years wild-type.
16
Primary CNS lymphoma median OS 1.5-5 years with MTX-based therapy.
17
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified 5-year OS 30-35%.
18
Early POD (<2 years) after R-CHOP predicts poor OS <20% at 5 years.
19
MALT lymphoma localized 5-year OS >90%.
20
CAR-T post-2L therapy 3-year OS 47% in ZUMA-7 trial.
21
Blastoid variant MCL median OS 1.5 years.
22
Pediatric NHL 5-year EFS 80-90% with modern protocols.
23
High LDH (>2x ULN) halves 5-year OS in DLBCL.
24
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALK+ 5-year OS 80% vs ALK- 30%.
25
74.3% 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 2015–2019 (US)
26
53% 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 1975–1977 (US)
27
57% 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 1985–1987 (US)
28
61% 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 1995–1997 (US)
29
67% 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 2005–2007 (US)
30
69% 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 2010–2012 (US)
Interpretation
Prognosis And Survival Interpretation
Overall NHL outcomes have improved markedly, with 5-year survival rising from 53% in 2000 to 74% in 2019, and this survival advantage is reflected in key subtypes where 5-year OS reaches 80 to 90% for limited-stage DLBCL on R-CHOP and falls to 32% for high IPI risk versus 73% for low risk.
More related reading
report visual · Projection
5-year relative survival for non-Hodgkin lymphoma has improved over time (US)
Across 1975–1977 to 2015–2019, 5-year relative survival for all non-Hodgkin lymphoma increased, with the most recent cohort (2015–2019) leading at the highest level, outpacing the
53 percent
Start
+0.85%
CAGR · 40y
74.4 percent
Projected
19752015
source-verifiedseer.cancer.gov2015
04 · Category
Risk Factors28 stats
01
Immunosuppression increases NHL risk 50-100 fold.
02
HIV infection raises NHL risk by 50-200 times.
03
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated with 70-80% of HIV-related NHL.
04
Organ transplant recipients have 28-fold increased NHL risk.
05
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis increase risk by 2-4 fold.
06
Helicobacter pylori infection linked to 70% of gastric MALT lymphomas.
07
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection elevates NHL risk by 2.5 times.
08
Obesity (BMI >30) associated with 20-30% increased NHL risk.
09
Farming occupation increases risk by 1.5 times due to pesticides.
10
Benzene exposure raises NHL risk with OR 1.4-2.0.
11
Sjögren's syndrome patients have 40-fold higher NHL risk.
12
Celiac disease doubles NHL risk, especially enteropathy-associated T-cell.
13
Hair dyes (pre-1980) increased risk by 1.5-2 fold in women.
14
Smoking has inconsistent association, but may increase follicular lymphoma risk by 20%.
15
Family history increases risk 1.7-fold for NHL.
16
Methoxsalen + UV therapy raises risk 5-10 fold.
17
Alcohol consumption may reduce NHL risk by 20-30%.
18
HTLV-1 infection causes 5% of adult T-cell lymphomas worldwide.
19
Radiation exposure (e.g., Chernobyl) increases risk 1.5-2 fold.
20
Breast implants associated with rare anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
21
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes 5% of NHL.
22
Night shift work linked to 20-40% increased risk via circadian disruption.
23
Dietary factors: high fat intake may increase risk by 1.3 fold.
24
Asbestos exposure shows OR 1.4 for NHL.
25
SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) increases risk 4-5 fold.
26
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis raises risk 80-fold for thyroid MALT.
27
Ever-use of menopausal hormone therapy increases risk by 25%.
28
Chlamydia psittaci linked to ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in 80% cases.
Interpretation
Risk Factors Interpretation
Risk factors for non Hodgkin lymphoma are strongly driven by immune system disruption, with immunosuppression increasing risk by 50 to 100 times and HIV infection raising it 50 to 200 times, while specific triggers like EBV, which accounts for 70 to 80% of HIV related NHL, further concentrate this elevated danger.
05 · Category
Treatment21 stats
01
R-CHOP standard for CD20+ DLBCL, response 90-95% initial.
02
Rituximab maintenance post-remission prolongs PFS by 50% in follicular.
03
Autologous stem cell transplant CR rate 50% in relapsed DLBCL.
04
Radiation therapy used in 20-30% early-stage favorable NHL.
05
CAR-T therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel) ORR 82% in refractory DLBCL.
06
Polatuzumab vedotin + R-CHOP improves PFS by 27% in DLBCL.
07
Ibrutinib effective in 40% relapsed mantle cell lymphoma.
08
Lenalidomide + rituximab ORR 76% in follicular relapse.
09
BTK inhibitors like zanubrutinib PFS 50% at 18 months in MCL.
10
HSCT allogeneic cures 30-40% high-risk relapsed NHL.
11
Bendamustine + rituximab non-inferior to R-CHOP in follicular, CR 40%.
12
Tazemetostat HDAC inhibitor ORR 35% EZH2-mutant follicular.
13
Chemotherapy alone in Burkitt: CR 90% with intensive regimens.
14
Obinutuzumab + chemotherapy superior to rituximab in follicular PFS.
15
PD-1 inhibitors like pembrolizumab ORR 40% in relapsed primary mediastinal.
16
EPOCH-R regimen CR 90% in DLBCL, less toxicity.
17
Venetoclax + rituximab ORR 65% in CLL-transformed NHL.
18
Proton therapy reduces cardiac dose by 50% in mediastinal NHL.
19
Selinexor exportin inhibitor PFS 9 months in DLBCL relapse.
20
Loncastuximab tesirine ORR 48% in heavily pretreated DLBCL.
21
Bispecific antibodies like glofitamab CR 39% in R/R B-NHL.
Interpretation
Treatment Interpretation
Overall, NHL treatment outcomes are strongly improving with modern strategies, including R-CHOP achieving a 90 to 95% initial response in CD20 plus DLBCL and CAR-T therapy delivering an 82% ORR in refractory disease.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Felix Zimmermann. (2026, February 13). Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-statistics
MLA
Felix Zimmermann. "Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-statistics.
Chicago
Felix Zimmermann. 2026. "Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-statistics.
Sources & references
1 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level