Blood Cancers
Overview
Blood cancers develop in the bone marrow, lymphatic system, or lymph nodes, which are key parts of the body's immune and circulatory systems. Unlike solid tumors that form a mass, blood cancers involve the abnormal growth of blood or immune cells, affecting how the body produces and functions these cells.
Types of Blood Cancers
These cancers interfere with the normal process of making healthy blood cells. As abnormal cells multiply, they crowd out healthy ones, preventing the blood from fighting infection, carrying oxygen, and controlling bleeding.
There are three main types of blood cancer:
Signs & Symptoms
Because blood cancers affect how blood cells function, symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of disease. Many symptoms are nonspecific and may resemble other common conditions, which is why it's important to talk with your doctor if you notice ongoing or unexplained changes in your health. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Fever or chills
- Frequent or severe infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck, underarms, or groin (in lymphoma)
- Easy bruising or bleeding (due to low platelets)
- Shortness of breath (due to anemia)
- Bone or joint pain (especially in bones in myeloma)
- Night sweats
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early evaluation and diagnosis can help identify the cause and ensure timely treatment if needed.
Causes
The exact cause of blood cancer isn't fully understood. In most cases, it begins when normal blood cell development in the bone marrow is disrupted by changes (mutations) in the DNA of blood-forming cells.
Normally, stem cells in the bone marrow mature into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. When genetic changes occur, these cells may grow and divide uncontrollably, producing abnormal cells that don't function properly. Over time, these cancerous cells crowd out healthy ones, affecting how the body fights infection, carries oxygen, and controls bleeding.
Researchers continue to study why these mutations happen. Certain factors, such as radiation exposure, prior to cancer treatment, or inherited genetic conditions, may increase risk in some people.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop blood cancer, certain factors may increase your risk. Having one or more doesn't mean you will get the disease, but awareness can support prevention and early detection.
- Age: Risk increases with age, though some blood cancers are more common in children or young adults.
- Gender: Certain types occur more often in men than women.
- Family history: Having a close relative with blood cancer may increase risk.
- Previous cancer treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers can raise the risk later in life.
- Radiation or chemical exposure: Long-term exposure to high radiation levels or chemicals like benzene may contribute.
- Weakened immune system: Conditions or medications that suppress the immune system can increase risk.
- Genetic disorders: Inherited conditions such as Down syndrome are linked to a higher likelihood of developing some blood cancers.
- Smoking: Tobacco use may increase the risk of certain leukemia types.
Prevention
There’s no sure way to prevent blood cancer, but maintaining overall health and reducing exposure to known risk factors may help lower risk. Because many cases are not linked to a specific cause, focusing on healthy habits and regular medical care is important.
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of some blood cancers, including leukemia. Quitting reduces your risk over time and improves overall health.
Try to minimize long-term exposure to industrial chemicals like benzene or unnecessary radiation, both of which can affect bone marrow health.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps support your immune system and overall wellness.
Regular exercise strengthens your immune system, improves circulation, and promotes healthy cell growth.
Conditions such as diabetes or immune disorders can strain the body’s ability to regulate healthy cell growth. Ongoing care and monitoring help reduce complications.
If blood cancer or genetic conditions run in your family, talk with your doctor about potential screening or monitoring options.
Routine visits with your healthcare provider can help identify unusual symptoms early, when treatment is most effective.
Treatments & Services
Treatment Options
We offer advanced, evidence-based treatments for all types of blood cancer, with personalized care plans designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Services Options
Our supportive care services help patients and families manage symptoms, stay strong during treatment, and access the resources they need from diagnosis through recovery.
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