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Blood cancers: A quick look

“Blood cancers” is an umbrella term for cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. They can affect any of the three main components of blood: Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The three main types of blood cancers are leukaemia, lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s) and myeloma.

Source: World Cancer Research Fund International

1) Myeloma

Affects plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow and produce antibodies to fight infection.

Main symptoms:

• Pain in bones
• Bone fractures
• Tiredness

2) Leukaemia

Affects white blood cells, which help the body to fight infection.

Main symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Prolonged fever

3) Lymphoma

Affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system that fights infections and diseases. Two types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Main symptoms:

• Enlarged lymph nodes that don’t go away
• Prolonged fever
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained itching
• Weight loss
• Night sweats

Treatment options

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Bone marrow transplantation (in more severe cases)
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy