Understanding Blood Cancer: What You Need to Know
Blood cancer is a complex group of diseases that affect how blood cells are produced and function. Unlike solid tumours, blood cancers develop in the bone marrow, blood, or lymphatic system disrupting the body’s ability to fight infection, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.
Understanding the different types, symptoms, and treatment options is essential to improving outcomes and saving lives.
What Is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer occurs when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably, interfering with the production and function of healthy cells. Most blood cancers begin in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made.
There are three main categories:
- Leukaemia
Leukaemia affects the blood and bone marrow. It involves the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy cells.
It can be:
- Acute (fast-growing)
- Chronic (slower progressing)
- Lymphoma
Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It begins in lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
The two main types are:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Myeloma
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, impairing the immune system and weakening bones.
Common Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Symptoms can be subtle and often resemble other conditions, which is why early diagnosis can be challenging. Warning signs may include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone or joint pain
If symptoms persist, medical evaluation and blood testing are critical.
How Blood Cancer Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging scans
- Genetic and molecular testing
Advances in diagnostic technologies now allow clinicians to identify specific genetic changes, helping to personalise treatment plans.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Stem cell transplantation
For some patients, a stem cell transplant offers the best chance of long-term remission particularly in aggressive or relapsed disease.
The Importance of Early Detection and Access to Care
Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. However, disparities in awareness, access to specialist care, and donor availability for stem cell transplantation continue to affect outcomes.
Encouraging regular health checks, recognising symptoms early, and supporting stem cell donor registration can make a life-saving difference.
Raising Awareness Saves Lives
Blood cancer can affect anyone children, young adults, and older people alike. Increased awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, better treatment access, and stronger support networks for patients and families.
By educating communities and promoting donor registration, we can improve survival rates and offer hope to those facing a blood cancer diagnosis.
If you are concerned about symptoms speak to your GP or a healthcare professional for guidance.
