In the United States, blood cancers make up about 10% of all cancer diagnoses. The three most common forms of blood cancer are lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. These cancers arise from different cells that comprise your immune system; lymphoid cells, myeloid cells or specialized lymphocytes called plasma cells.
Blood cancer arises when progenitor cells acquire mutations in the cellular function or within their chromosomes. These genetic changes result in uncontrolled growth and replication. Normal blood cells have a defined survival time length and then naturally die off. However, abnormal blood cells do not have this normal control mechanism and live much longer. This causes abnormal cells to crowd the bone marrow which prevents it from producing healthy blood cells.
Healthy blood cells help distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and help to eliminate old cells from the body. They protect the body against infections and contribute to normal blood clotting to prevent blood loss. Once an imbalance between normal and abnormal cells is created, there are fewer normal blood cells to carry out these tasks.
As a result, the body has a harder time fighting infections and healing itself.
What is the Main Cause of Blood Cancer?
Experts are still unsure why blood cancer develops; however, they believe it can be a mix of environmental and genetic factors.
Excessive exposure to radiation and certain carcinogens may increase a person's risk of developing blood cancer. Long-term exposure to benzene can damage bone marrow which can result in low blood cell and platelet counts. Benzene can be found in:
- Cigarette smoke
- Contaminated food or drinking water
- Fumes from paint, solvents, glues, gasoline, chemical plants, etc.
Some viral infections such as HIV, Epstein-Barr Virus, or human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) can compromise a person's immune system which increases their risk of developing cancer.
Genetic conditions which weaken an individual's immune system may also place them at a higher risk of health complications.
What are the Warning Signs of Blood Cancer?
An individual's symptoms may vary depending on their specific type of blood cancer. However, there are overlapping symptoms and signs which may help with early detection. Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained or unexpected weight loss
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Anemia
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Excessive bleeding
- Fever or chills
- Bone and joint pain
- Frequent infections
- Swelling of lymph nodes, liver, and spleen
It is important to remember these signs may not necessarily be indicative of blood cancer. These signs may be present in other unrelated illnesses. We recommend speaking to a doctor if any of these symptoms arise and persist for more than two weeks.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any suspicious signs arise. Early detection and treatment can be key in helping control blood cancer.
Can Blood Cancer be Treated?
The treatment of blood cancer depends on several factors such as the type, stage, and age of the patient. Treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy. This option introduces anticancer drugs to the body intravenously or orally to stop the production of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy. This treatment plan aims to activate the immune system to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy. This treatment plan uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplant. This treatment plan transfers healthy stem cells from a compatible donor into a patient's body to trigger healthy blood cell production. This treatment is used after therapies which have destroyed abnormal blood cells.
- Targeted therapies. This treatment plan uses drugs specifically designed to target and kill abnormal blood cells.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe a combination of these treatment methods to maximize their efficacy and improve patient outcomes.
Can Blood Cancer be Prevented or Cured?
Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent blood cancer as its underlying cause is still undetermined. However, the earlier cancer is caught and treated, the higher a patient's chances of having a positive outcome. Thankfully, with medical advances, the curability rate of blood cancers has increased over the last few decades.
The best prevention plan is regular check-ups which will help identify any potential issues before they grow out of control. People who have experienced radiation exposure, excessive smoking, or a weakened immune system should pay extra attention to their health.
It is important for individuals to remain informed about cancer and its symptoms, so they can quickly get proper medical attention. Early detection and treatment could mean the difference between life and death.
Although there are many questions surrounding the cause of blood cancer, regular check-ups and medical screenings are vital for detecting any irregularities before they become serious. As the medical field makes further strides in cancer research, hopefully we will have more information on how to prevent blood cancer and ensure successful treatment for those suffering from it.
A Real-Life Success Story in the Fight Against Blood Cancer
One example of tenacity is Dahlia Guerrero, a first-generation Latin American graduate of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC). Dr. Guerrero's journey into medicine was fueled by her mother's leukemia diagnosis. Determined to help others with similar struggles, she pursued AUC's Doctor of Medicine program (MD).
“Medicine had always been an interest of mine, but it was my mom’s diagnosis that really fueled my aspiration to pursue it as a profession,” says Guerrero.
During her time at medical school, Dr. Guerrero excelled in her studies and passed the United States Medical Licensing Exam® (USMLE®) Step 1. During her radiology rotation at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC), Dr. Guerrero discovered her calling.
Dr. Guerrero cherished her clinical rotations as they enabled her to collaborate with other physicians in diagnosing patients.
She found immense pride and satisfaction in serving many Latin American patients. As their doctor, she discovered she could provide them with a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Today, her mother is in remission. Dr. Guerrero collaborates with the nonprofit group, North Texas Latin American Physicians Association (NTLAPA), to help aspiring Latino physicians obtain scholarships for school. As a practicing physician, Dr. Guerrero continues her mission to bring hope and healing to families battling cancer.
Ready to make the leap to medical school? Contact AUC to learn more!
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Patson, MD