Living well with MALT lymphoma

It’s never easy to find out you have a type of blood cancer. Even if you have few symptoms and feel generally well, getting a diagnosis can be challenging.

Learning about your condition can help you feel more positive. If you've just been diagnosed, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed at first, so take things at your own pace. Family and friends may be more keen to read up on MALT lymphoma, but they should stick to trustworthy sources like the NHS and reputable cancer charities.

• As well a specific information about MALT lymphoma, we have lots of general information about blood cancer.
• You can also contact our Support Service to talk through anything you are unsure about. Call our support nurses for free, confidential advice on 0808 2080 888 or fill in this webform to get support by email.
• You may like to talk to other people with blood cancer on our online community forum. You’ll always find someone who is ready to listen and share their own experiences.

• Read our information about what happens next, or order our free printed 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.
• 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.

If you find that you are feeling low, talk to your hospital team or GP. They may be able to get you professional help. If you prefer, there's a range of self-help strategies to try that may help you to feel better.

We have more information about ways to look after your mental health.

Eating a balanced diet and keeping active are important when you’ve living with blood cancer. It can help to lift your mood too. You may also find that gentle exercise helps if you have fatigue, the extreme tiredness that can affect you when you have blood cancer.

For simple ways to live more healthily after a blood cancer diagnosis, read our pages on eating well and staying active.

We also have a free printed booklet about eating well with blood cancer.

As someone with blood cancer, you may be able to apply for certain benefits. You also have rights at work.

Cancer is considered a disability even if you are not currently having treatment. So you have rights under disability laws. For more information about this and other practical matters, read our information about money and work.

It’s your choice who you tell about your diagnosis. If you look well, it can be an option to keep your diagnosis to yourself, but many people find it helpful to share what’s happening with close family and friends.

If you are working, consider telling your employer because they have to consider “reasonable adjustments” to help you work, such as time off for appointments or changing your hours.

Some conversations about your diagnosis will be more difficult than others. If you’re worried about how a conversation might go, our support nurses can help you plan what to say and talk through how to deal with different people’s reactions.

Things that can help:

• Bring a loved one to your appointments, or take along the questions they want to ask.
• Direct them to our website for accurate information, especially our information for family and friends.
• Suggest they join our online community forum. There are lots of family members and friends on there as well as people living with blood cancer.