Raising Blood Cancer Awareness
Raising Blood Cancer Awareness With Blood Cancer Facts
Did you know that someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer every three minutes? More than 1.3 million Americans are currently living with or in remission from a blood cancer. Blood cancers (also called hematologic cancers) are the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. In honor of September being Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is here to provide blood cancer facts to create more awareness and proactive patients. Learn how the most common blood cancers are diagnosed and treated, as well as symptoms to look for and prognosis.
What Are Blood Cancers? What Are the Most Common Types?
Blood cancers affect your body’s blood cells, and many are linked to unpreventable DNA mutations. Blood cancer usually begins in the body’s bone marrow, where platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells are formed. An uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells makes it difficult for your normal blood cells to develop, impacting your body’s ability to ward off infections or prevent severe bleeding. Blood cancers can occur at any stage of life, affecting men, women, and children of all ages. Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are the most common blood cancers:
- Leukemia – Leukemia is caused when the body creates too many abnormal white blood cells in the blood or bone marrow, preventing the creation of red blood cells and platelets.
- Lymphoma – Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system and is caused by lymphocytes (white blood cells that help fight infections). When the Reed-Sternberg cell is present, it’s called Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin’s disease.
- Myeloma – Myeloma develops in the blood’s plasma cells (white blood cells in bone marrow).
How Are Blood Cancers Diagnosed in Adults & Children?
Advancing age, gender, obesity, and exposure to high doses of radiation or industrial chemicals can increase your risk of developing a blood cancer. Individuals with compromised immune systems or a family or personal history of cancer may also be more at risk. A blood cancer diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam, checking for any signs of infection, bruising, or swollen lymph nodes. A biopsy may be ordered to collect cell tissue samples for further diagnosis. Blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds are also used to diagnose blood cancers. Common blood cancer symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone or joint pain
- Headaches
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent infections
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, groin, or underarms)
Are Blood Cancers Treatable? How Are the Survival Rates?
The type of blood cancer, your age and overall health, how fast it is progressing, and where it has spread throughout the body are all factors determining your recommended treatment options. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation are the most common blood cancer treatments. A blood cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence. Statistics show a 65% chance of survival five years after a leukemia diagnosis, a 55% chance after a myeloma diagnosis, a 73% chance after a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, and an 88% chance after a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. However, every individual’s experience is different. Modern advances in medicine present a more hopeful future.
Dedicated to Spreading Public Awareness for Proactive Patients
As a New-York based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm for nearly 50 years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has made it our mission to spread public awareness to create proactive patients. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive additional insights to remain proactive about your family’s healthcare.