What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer is a broad term for cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. They develop when abnormal blood cells grow, multiply or behave differently from healthy cells.
Because blood cells carry out essential work throughout the body, blood cancer can have a significant effect on a person’s health and wellbeing. Healthy blood cells help the body to:
- Fight infections
- Carry oxygen around the body
- Control bleeding
- Support the immune system
When blood cancer develops, abnormal cells interfere with the production and function of healthy blood cells.
There are more than 100 types and subtypes, broadly grouped into three main categories: leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
The three main types of blood cancer
Blood and bone marrowLeukaemia
Leukaemia affects the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. The marrow makes abnormal blood cells, often white blood cells, and these crowd out the healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets the body needs.
Acute leukaemia
Develops quickly and usually needs urgent treatment.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
Chronic leukaemia
Develops more slowly and may not need immediate treatment.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Lymphatic systemLymphoma
Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, an important part of the body’s immune defences, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and other tissues that help fight infection. There are two main categories:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma covers many subtypes. Some develop slowly; others can be far more aggressive.
Plasma cellsMyeloma
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally produce the antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells build up in the marrow and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells.
Other blood cancers and related conditions
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
MDS affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. In some cases it can develop into acute myeloid leukaemia.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
A group of rare blood cancers in which the bone marrow produces too many blood cells.
- Polycythaemia vera (PV)
- Essential thrombocythaemia (ET)
- Myelofibrosis
Other rare blood cancers
- Hairy cell leukaemia
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML)
- Waldenström macroglobulinaemia
- Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN)
Symptoms of blood cancer
Symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer and the person. Many are also caused by other, far more common conditions.
- Persistent fatigue
- Recurring infections
- Unexplained bruising
- Unusual bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone or joint pain
- Pale skin
- Feeling generally unwell
Important. Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean someone has blood cancer. But if symptoms are persistent, unusual for you, unexplained or getting worse, speak to a GP or another healthcare professional.
Understanding blood cancer fatigue
Fatigue is very different from ordinary tiredness: a persistent lack of energy that does not lift after rest or sleep. It may be caused by:
- The blood cancer itself
- Anaemia
- Treatment
- Infection
- Emotional stress
- Sleep difficulties
How is blood cancer diagnosed?
Blood cancer is diagnosed through a range of tests, depending on the condition suspected.
Blood tests
These let healthcare professionals check the number and condition of different blood cells.
Bone marrow tests
A marrow sample shows how blood cells are being produced and whether abnormal cells are present.
Scans and biopsies
Used to examine lymph nodes, bones, organs and other parts of the body.
Genetic and molecular testing
Modern testing gives detailed information about a specific blood cancer and helps specialists choose the right treatment.
Treatment for blood cancer
Treatment has advanced significantly. What is most appropriate depends on the type and subtype, how far it has progressed, and the person’s overall health.
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiotherapy
- Blood transfusions
- Platelet transfusions
- Stem cell transplantation
- Supportive care
Why blood and platelet donations matter
For many people living with blood cancer, donated blood is part of the treatment itself. Patients may need repeated transfusions of:
- Red blood cells, to treat anaemia
- Platelets, to prevent or control serious bleeding
- Other blood components, depending on their treatment
Every donation has the potential to support someone going through life-saving treatment.
The importance of stem cell donation
Some people with blood cancer need a stem cell transplant, which provides healthy blood-forming cells to replace bone marrow damaged by disease or by intensive treatment.
Finding a suitable donor can be difficult. The more people who register, the better the chance of a match.
Registration among younger people and ethnically diverse communities matters particularly. Matches are most often found between people of similar ethnic background, and those communities are under-represented on the register.
Blood cancer and emotional wellbeing
A diagnosis affects far more than physical health. It brings uncertainty, emotional strain and significant changes to everyday life. People may experience:
- Fear and anxiety
- Emotional stress
- Deep physical fatigue
- Worry about treatment and the future
- Changes to work and routines
- Changes in relationships and family life
Emotional and practical support makes a real difference to people living with blood cancer, and to their families.
How the Kevin Kararwa Leukaemia Trust helps
The Kevin Kararwa Leukaemia Trust (KKLT) raises awareness of blood cancer and supports people affected by leukaemia and other blood disorders.
Through awareness work, community engagement and our wellbeing programme, we help individuals and families understand blood cancer and navigate the challenges that come with diagnosis and treatment.
We also promote emotional wellbeing, blood donation and stem cell donor registration, so more communities know how to support patients in need.
When should you speak to a doctor?
Many symptoms associated with blood cancer are also caused by other conditions. Speak to a GP or healthcare professional if symptoms are persistent, unexplained, unusual for you or getting worse.
Knowledge helps people understand. Awareness encourages action. Together we can provide hope, support and a stronger future for everyone affected by blood cancer.