Lymphoma
Last update
1263 new cases of lymphoma (lymphatic cancer) were registered in 2024. For several of the major subgroups, there has been a solid improvement in the 5-year relative survival over the past 15 years.
This content is currently being updated. Updated statistics are available in Cancer in Norway 2025.
About lymfoma
Lymphoma is a collective diagnosis for more than 30 different types of cancer where the disease is located in the body's lymphatic system. Lymphoma consists of the main groups Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Subgroups of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
The incidence of Hodgkin's lymphoma has been stable for the past 15 years and the prognosis is good, but older patients have considerably poorer survival than younger patients. The use of PET scans has most likely led to fewer patients in stage I and more patients in stage IV.
For most subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the incidence has been stable over the past 15 years. Improved diagnostics, better chemotherapy regimens and use of antibodies (especially anti-CD20) have led to increased survival for all subgroups.
Key figures - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 2024
Number of new cases
Men: 628
Women: 482
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 20.5
Women: 14.6
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 77.0 %
Women: 82.1 %
Cancer survivors (both genders)
12,577 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
171 men
120 women
Accumulated risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 1.8 %
Women: 1.3 %
Key figures - Hodgkin lymphoma 2024
Number of new cases
Men: 88
Women: 65
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 3.0
Women: 2.2
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 89.0 %
Women: 90.5 %
Cancer survivors (both sexes)
3,430 people as of December 31, 2024
Deaths (2023)
9 men
8 women
Cumulative risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma up to 80 years of age (2020-2024)
Men: 0.3 %
Women: 0.2 %
Risk factors
Medicines that are given, for example, after organ transplantation, weaken the immune system.
Hepatitis C, infections with viruses (Epstein Barr virus and HIV) and rare bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) can increase the risk of cancer.
There is a higher incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients with rare congenital diseases, such as arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Other factors that increase the risk of lymphoma are earlier lymphoma diagnosis, and in some cases the disease is related to inheritance.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.