The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma is about 1 in 25,000 people; it accounts for 0.5-1% of all cancers worldwide. The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma is higher in developed countries than in developing countries. For example, residents of the United States, Canada and Northern Europe are more victims of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 8510 men and women (4,640 men and 3,870 women) were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States in 2009; around 1290 people died of it.
The incidence, however, varies with age and race. From 2002-2006, the median age at diagnosis for Hodgkin lymphoma was 38; thus, ages and percentages of people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma during 2002-2006 were approximately:
- 11.9% under age 20;
- 32.1% between 20 and 34;
- 16.9% between 35 and 44;
- 12.3% between 45 and 54;
- 9.2% between 55 and 64;
- 8.5% between 65 and 74;
- 7.0% between 75 and 84;
- 2.1% 85+ years of age
According to the same report by the National Cancer institute, incidence rates by race and sex was:
- All races: 3.1 per 100,000 men – 2.5 per 100,000 women
- White : 3.3 per 100,000 men – 2.7 per 100,000 women
- Black: 2.9 per 100,000 men – 2.3 per 100,000 women
- Asian/Pacific Islander: 1.5 per 100,000 men – 1.1 per 100,000 women
- Hispanic: 2.9 per 100,000 men – 1.9 per 100,000 women.