It goes without saying that blood is the key ingredient in sustaining life. Why exactly? Well, it provides the body with necessary substances and nutrients including sugar, oxygen and hormones to our cells. Blood is also responsible for taking waste from our cells and helping with excretion of urine, feces, sweat and carbon dioxide.
When someone has blood cancer, the blood cells’ ability to properly reproduce and function is affected. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) explains that when cancer exists in the blood, the normal blood cell development process is interrupted by uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. These abnormal blood cells, or cancerous cells, prevent your blood from performing many of its functions, like fighting off infections or preventing serious bleeding.
According to the ASH, there are three variations of blood cancer: Leukemia, found in the blood and bone marrow, is caused by rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells, which affects the ability to fight off infection and produce red blood cells; Lymphoma, which affects the lymphatic system, and the body’s ability to remove excess fluids from and produce immune cells; and Myeloma which inhibits the body’s ability to produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies by affecting the plasma cells.
Common symptoms of blood cancer include:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or blue lips or fingernails
- High fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Fast heart rate
- Confusion
- Loss or change in level of consciousness
- Anxiety
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society states that approximately every three minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer. The key to fighting many diseases, including cancer, is early detection. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help. Your doctor may suggest a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the type of cancer, patient’s age, progression rate and more.
To learn more about blood cancer and treatment options visit:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
American Society of Hematology
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society