Blood Cancers

Blood cancers affect the production and function of blood cells. They typically originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic system.

Leukemia:

Affects bone marrow and white blood cells. Can be acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-progressing), and may impact adults or children.

Lymphoma:

Affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Hodgkin lymphoma has a distinct cell type (Reed-Sternberg cell), whereas Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes many different subtypes.

Myeloma:

A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It disrupts normal blood production and weakens the bones.

Key Facts:

• Often treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or bone marrow transplant
• Early symptoms like fatigue and frequent infections can be overlooked
• Some types are more common in certain age groups

Treatment:

• Chemotherapy
• Bone marrow transplant
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
  
  

Prevention:

• There’s no definitive prevention, but early detection helps in effective treatment.