Blood cancers, also known as hematologic cancers, originate in the bone marrow, where blood is produced. These cancers occur when abnormal blood cells proliferate uncontrollably, disrupting the production of normal blood cells, which are crucial for immunity and oxygen transport. Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer in children, comprising about 28% of childhood cancer cases. In 2020, an estimated 178,520 new cases of leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma were diagnosed in the United States, with 56,840 deaths expected.
Survival rates for blood cancers have significantly improved over the last decade. Five-year survival rates vary from 42% for melanoma to 85% for Hodgkin lymphoma. Recognizing symptoms such as frequent infections, itchy skin, loss of appetite, night sweats, fatigue, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes is crucial for early detection.
To increase longevity, it’s essential to moderate consumption of certain substances:
- Red Meat: Some red meats are high in saturated fat, which can elevate blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. Although the link to cancer is less clear, many researchers suggest it may heighten the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can strain bone marrow function, particularly in individuals already affected by blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma.
- Tobacco Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco smoke enter the bloodstream and can affect the entire body, contributing to various types of cancer. Quitting smoking is highly advisable for overall health.
- Sugar: High insulin levels, driven by excess sugar consumption, may potentially fuel cancer growth. Reducing sugar intake can help manage insulin levels.
- Salt: Diets rich in salt-preserved foods (e.g., pickled vegetables, salted fish) have been associated with increased risks of stomach and nasopharyngeal cancers. Processed meats preserved with salt can also heighten the risk of colorectal cancer.
By moderating intake of these substances, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of blood cancers and improve overall health outcomes.
Blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other types like MPNs and MDS, affects the blood cells due to mutations in their DNA. These mutations cause abnormal behavior in the blood cells, leading to the development of cancer. Unlike genetic disorders passed down through generations, these mutations occur during a person’s lifetime and are typically not hereditary.
Some forms of blood cancer can also affect children, and symptoms and treatments may differ between children and adults.
In the UK alone, over 40,000 people receive a blood cancer diagnosis each year, and more than 250,000 people currently live with the condition.
Blood cancer causes
Risk factors for blood cancer include
- age
- sex
- ethnicity
- family history
- exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
- as well as specific health conditions and treatments.
The impact of these factors varies depending on the type of blood cancer.
Blood cancer symptoms
Blood cancer symptoms
Symptoms of blood cancer can include
1. unexplained weight loss
2. unusual bruising or bleeding
3. lumps or swellings
4.shortness of breath
5. night sweats
6. persistent or severe infection
7. unexplained fever
8. rash or itchy skin
9. bone, joint, or abdominal pain
10. persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
11.pallor where the skin under the lower eyelid appears white instead of pink.
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