Insights5 min read
Blood Cancer Ke Lakshan (रक्त कैंसर के लक्षण): संकेत जिन्हें नजरअंदाज न करें
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Cancer care
Blood Cancer
Overview
What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancers include types such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, which affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Blood cancers could be defined as the cancers that disrupt the development of blood cells and impair immune function, leading to significant health challenges. Blood cancers can occur at any age and often go undetected in the early stages due to subtle or absent symptoms.
Blood Cancer Types
Leukemia
- A cancer of the blood and bone marrow, leukemia causes abnormal white blood cell production. It can be acute or chronic and affects both children and adults, weakening the immune system and hindering blood function.
Lymphoma
- Lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system, where it disrupts the body’s ability to fight infections. It includes two main types—Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma—affecting lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs.
Multiple Myeloma
- This cancer forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. It weakens bones, impairs immunity, and disrupts normal blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- MDS refers to a group of disorders where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy blood cells. It may progress to acute myeloid leukemia and often causes fatigue, infections, and bleeding issues.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)
- MPNs are rare blood cancers in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. This overproduction can lead to blood clots, bleeding, and progression to leukemia
Blood Cancer Symptoms
Constant tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest could signal abnormal blood cell production.
What’s Notable
- Blood Cancers account for approximately 8-10% of cancers in India
- Leukemia is the most frequent childhood cancer
When to Seek Help
Seek immediate medical help if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding, persistent fatigue, frequent infections, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or a fever of 38°C or higher - for longer than 2 weeks.
Blood Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Genetic Mutations
Chromosomal or gene mutations such as the Philadelphia chromosome may predispose individuals to leukemia or other cancers of the blood.
Family History
Having a first-degree relative with blood cancer may slightly increase your own risk.
Radiation Exposure
High exposure to ionizing radiation—such as with cancer treatment involving radiation therapy or nuclear power plant accidents—can harm bone marrow cells and lead to leukemia.
Chemical Exposure
Long-term exposure to industrial solvents such as benzene, which is employed in chemical and rubber production, has resulted in increased leukemia risk.
Weakened Immune System
HIV/AIDS patients, organ recipients who receive an organ transplant, or autoimmune disorders can expose an individual to some types of blood cancers.
Viral Infections
Certain viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) have a causative association with some types of lymphoma.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke also includes benzene and other chemicals that are established carcinogens and can cause an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Some Blood Disorders
Aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndromes may develop into leukemia if not treated well.
Blood Cancer Diagnosis
Early Symptoms & Check Up
Step 1: Early Symptoms & Check-up
- Common symptoms: fatigue, spontaneous bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, swollen lymph glands
- Physician performs a physical exam and reviews medical history
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Blood Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
- What it does
- Cancers-killing medicines that attack fast-growing blood cells
- Treated for
- Most blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma)
- Recovery
- Varied; includes many cycles spanning weeks to months
Targeted Therapy
- What it does
- Medicines that attack distinct genetic markers in cancer cells
- Treated for
- Cancers with known mutations (e.g., CML, specific lymphomas)
- Common medications
- Imatinib, Ibrutinib, Rituximab
- Recovery
- Based on response and cancer type
Immunotherapy
- What it does
- Strengthens the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer
- Used for
- Some leukemias and lymphomas
- Drugs used
- CAR T-cell therapy, Blinatumomab, Nivolumab
- Recovery
- Extensive monitoring required because of immune side effects
Management & Prevention
Side Effects
- Manage fatigue and nausea with prescribed medications and hydration
Regular Checkups
- Routine follow-ups to track progress and prevent complications
Follow-Up Care
- Regular scans and tests keep you on track and catch any changes early.
Why Choose Everhope For Blood Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
- 1M
- blood cancer deaths globally
- 70,000
- blood cancer deaths annually in India
- 1 Indian
- is diagnosed with a blood cancer every 5 minutes
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Questions
FAQs on Blood Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Can blood cancer affect anyone at any age?
Yes! While some blood cancers are more common in adults, others like leukaemia can affect children too — it doesn’t discriminate by age.
Is blood cancer contagious?
No, blood cancer is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else like a cold or flu
How fast can blood cancer develop?
It varies — some blood cancers progress slowly over years, while others can grow quickly and need urgent treatment.
Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of blood cancer?
While genetics play a big role, avoiding smoking and limiting exposure to harmful chemicals can lower your risk.
Are blood cancers always fatal?
No! Many people live long, healthy lives after treatment — early diagnosis and modern therapies have improved survival rates dramatically.
Can blood cancer come back after treatment?
Sometimes it can return, but ongoing monitoring and advances in treatment help manage relapses effectively
Do all blood cancers require chemotherapy?
Not always. Depending on the type and stage, treatments can include targeted drugs, immunotherapy, or even stem cell transplants instead.
Find a Hospital Near You
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