5 Facts to Know About Blood Cancer

Blood cancer is a cancer that impacts the production of blood cells and their function. Usually, blood cancer originates from the bone marrow, the sponge-like, soft material at the centre of the bones. The bone marrow is responsible for making stem cells that, on maturity, transform into platelets, White Blood Cells (WBCs), and lastly, Red Blood Cells (RBCs).

Blood cancer affects the bone marrow’s smooth functioning, causing the production of abnormal blood cells. These then affect normal blood cells, impacting the body’s health. Blood cancer is a serious illness and must be understood for timely diagnoses and treatment. This article discusses five facts about blood cancer that individuals must know.

1. The first fact about blood cancer is that there are three types of blood cancers. These include:

• Leukaemia
This type is found in the blood and bone marrow. It involves the creation of abnormal WBCs that interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to create RBCs and platelets. Its types include acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

• Lymphoma
This type affects the lymphatic system, including the bone marrow. Its types include Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Myeloma
This type of blood cancer originates in the bone marrow and affects plasma cells. Multiple myeloma is the most common type of myeloma. Other types include amyloidosis and plasmacytoma.

2. An Individual Is Diagnosed with Blood cancer Every Five Minutes in India

Blood cancer is a serious health concern in India, with a high mortality rate. The Financial Express reports that someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer every five minutes, and approximately 70,000 people succumb to the condition annually.

This is a troubling statistic and underscores the need for timely and accurate diagnosis of blood cancer. Doctors usually order the following blood cancer tests to diagnose the condition:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures the count of blood cells.
• Blood Chemistry Test: Measures chemicals and other substances in the blood.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Leverages X-rays to create 3D images of bones and soft tissues.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: Helps identify signs of leukaemia or lymphoma complications impacting the spine.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Creates images of organs and tissues.
• Bone Marrow Biopsies: Involves collecting bone marrow samples.
• Blood Cell Examination: Involves studying blood cells’ appearances under a microscope.

3. India Has the Third-largest Number of Reported Blood cancer Cases

As per a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, India ranks third after China and the USA in the number of reported blood cancer cases. While medical research and advancement have steadily increased over the years, countries globally continue to see a significant number of blood cancer cases.

The only way to reduce these numbers is by spreading awareness of this deadly disease. Early detection of this condition can help treat the disease and reduce fatalities.

4. The Root Cause of Blood Cancer Is Unknown

While researchers know that blood cancer occurs due to blood cell DNA mutating, they are unaware of why this takes place. Since DNA directs the blood cells, when it gives cells new directions, the body often develops abnormal blood cells that grow and multiply quicker than normal cells. This overwhelms the normal blood cells and affects their production.

These changes can bring about the following symptoms of blood cancer:

• Fatigue
• Frequent fever
• Night Sweats
• Sudden weight loss
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Frequent infections
• Bone pain
• Enlarged spleen or liver or swollen lymph nodes

5. Treatment Of Blood cancer Depends on The Patient’s Unique Case

No one-size-fits-all treatment for blood cancer exists. The treatment for blood cancer depends on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, type of blood cancer, treatment side effects, etc. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: Involves killing cancer cells to slow down the disease’s progress and eliminate it.
• Radiation Therapy: Involves using radiation to target abnormal cells to prevent their reproduction.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the body produce more immune cells to help target cancer cells.
• CAR T-cell Therapy: Involves using T-cell lymphocytes (type of WBC) to treat cancer.
• Targeted Therapy for Cancer: Targets genetic mutations that transform healthy cells into abnormal ones.
• Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: Involves avoiding chemotherapy side effects by implanting autologous stem cells post chemotherapy treatment.
• Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: Involves replacing the bone marrow.

If individuals suffer from blood cancer symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, sudden weight loss, frequent infections, enlarged spleen or liver, or bone pain, they must consult a doctor and book a blood cancer test- leukemia/lymphoma diagnostic panel with Dr Lal PathLabs for accurate diagnosis.

FAQs

1. How common is blood cancer in India?

Blood cancer is quite common in India. An individual is diagnosed with blood cancer every five minutes in India, and an estimated 70,000 people succumb to the disease every year.