Living with Burkitt lymphoma
A diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma can affect your life in many ways. There is practical and emotional support to help.
If you've just been diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma
- Read our information about what happens now, or order our free booklet.
- Sign up for weekly support emails for practical tips and advice from other people with blood cancer.
- We have lots of information for family and friends about how they can support you while looking after themselves.
Looking after your physical health with Burkitt lymphoma
Whether you've just been diagnosed, are going through treatment or are in remission, there are practical things you can do to help look after your health. We have information to help:
- Eating well – information about eating healthily and tips to help with common eating problems.
- Keeping active – advice on exercise for people with blood cancer, with videos from a cancer exercise specialist.
- Fatigue – many people with blood cancer experience extreme tiredness (fatigue). Read about the causes and things that can help.
- Blood cancer and blood cancer treatment can make you more at risk from infections like viruses and bacteria. Get a free infection alert card for guidance about what to look out for and what to do if you think you have an infection.
Emotional support
Finding out you have Burkitt lymphoma can have a big emotional impact. It's important to know that however you're feeling right now, support is available.
We have more information about how to get support for your mental health.
You can also talk to other people with blood cancer on our online community forum.
Help with money and work
After a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma, you might be worried about money or your rights at work.
Cancer is classed as a disability even if you are not having treatment. So you have rights under disability laws.
You may also be entitled to financial support such as benefits.
For more information about the support available, read our information about money and work.
Want to talk?
If you have questions or worries, ask a blood cancer nurse. Our specialist nurses can help you make sense of things. So you can talk to your hospital team with confidence.
More About ThisAbout this information
This information is accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.
Last review January 2026. Next full review due January 2029. We may make factual updates to the information between reviews.
Thank you to Consultant Haematologist Samuel Harrison for checking the clinical accuracy of our Burkitt lymphoma information.