Every year September is observed as Blood Cancer Awareness Month around the world. Creating awareness about the various types of blood cancer and their impacts is crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and support for patients and their families.
“It’s also essential to emphasise that advances in research and treatment have significantly improved the prognosis for many blood cancer patients,” says Dr Niti Krishna Raizada, Senior Director, Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore.
Dr Byreddy Poojitha, Hemato-oncologist and BMT Physician, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, explained that while leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are the more well-known types of blood cancer, there are several lesser-known blood cancer types that also deserve attention.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
MDS is a group of rare blood disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. This can lead to anaemia, infections, and bleeding problems. MDS can progress to acute leukaemia in some cases, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)
MPNs are a group of blood cancers that involve the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow. Conditions like polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis fall under this category. MPNs can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life due to symptoms like fatigue, blood clots, and an increased risk of leukemia.
Organisations dedicated to blood cancer awareness often run educational campaigns to inform the public about these lesser-known types of blood cancer. (Source: Pixabay)
Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
HCL is an extremely rare form of leukemia that affects B cells. It gets its name from the hair-like projections on the surface of the cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. While it is considered a slow-growing cancer, HCL can still be challenging to treat.
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
This is a rare type of lymphoma that affects the bone marrow and blood. It involves the overproduction of a protein called immunoglobulin M (IgM), which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding, and nerve problems.
Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)
CEL is a rare subtype of chronic myeloid leukemia that primarily affects eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. It can cause a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, fatigue, and organ damage.
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Here are some ways to raise awareness and support those affected by blood cancer:
*Educational campaigns: Organisations dedicated to blood cancer awareness often run educational campaigns to inform the public about these lesser-known types of blood cancer.
*Fundraising and donations: Donating to blood cancer research and support organisations can help advance treatments and provide assistance to patients and their families.
*Blood and bone marrow donations: Consider becoming a blood or bone marrow donor, as these donations can be lifesaving for individuals with blood cancers.
*Support groups: Joining or promoting support groups for blood cancer patients and their families can provide emotional support and valuable information.
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*Advocacy: Advocate for increased funding for blood cancer research and improved access to care for patients.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that blood cancers affect a diverse range of people, and raising awareness about all types of blood cancers is crucial in improving the lives of those affected by these diseases.
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