Blood cancer


Blood cancer refers to a group of cancers that form when blood cells do not develop properly. These abnormal blood cells can grow and multiply uncontrollably, reducing the ability for the body to produce normal blood cells. When this happens, it changes the way the body functions.

These abnormal blood cells can also spread to other parts of the body including the lymph glands, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs, which further impacts the way the body works.

There are several types and sub-types of blood cancer. The most common are:

  • leukaemia – develops in bone marrow
  • lymphoma – develops in the lymphatic system
  • myeloma – develops in plasma cells.

Other rarer types of blood cancer include myelodysplasia (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and childhood blood cancers such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML).

The symptoms of blood cancer, how it is diagnosed and staged, types of treatment and potential side effects are different depending on the type of cancer.

The blood

Blood carries oxygen and important nutrients to the organs and tissues of the body. It also helps remove waste products and fight infections. The blood is made of different types of cells including:

  • red blood cells – carry oxygen around the body
  • white blood cells – help kill bacteria and protect the body from infection
  • platelets – stick together to form clots that stop bleeding.

Most blood cells are made in bone marrow – the spongy part in the middle of certain bones. Blood cells begin as stem cells and enter the bloodstream once they have matured. The heart pumps blood around the body through blood vessels.

How common are blood cancers?

Blood cancers are the third biggest cause of cancer death across Australia, claiming more lives each year than breast cancer or skin cancer.

Each year in Australia, about 4,500 people are diagnosed with a form of leukaemia. About 6,400 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and about 780 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Myeloma is not a common disease. About 1,900 people in Australia are diagnosed with myeloma each year. The Victorian Cancer Registry reports key statistics and trends about multiple myeloma each year.

Get support

Being told you have blood cancer can feel very overwhelming. If you or your loved ones have any questions, call 13 11 20 to speak to an experienced cancer nurse.

You can ask about joining a support group or our one-to-one phone support service, Cancer Connect, to speak with others who have a similar experience. You can also learn about accessing our financial and legal service. Our podcast series, The Thing About Cancer , provides useful insights to assist you in navigating through your diagnosis.

There are a range of organisations that provide information and support specifically for people affected by blood cancers. You may find the following helpful:

Types of blood cancer

Different types of blood cancer affect different types of cells in the blood. The three main types of blood cancer include:

Leukaemia

Lymphoma

Myeloma

 

Your guide to best cancer care

A lot can happen in a hurry when you’re diagnosed with cancer. The guides to best cancer care can help you make sense of what should happen. It will help you with what questions to ask your health professionals to make sure you receive the best care at every step.

Your treating team

The health professionals you will see depends on the type of blood cancer you have. Your doctor may discuss your treatment options with other health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your care, at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting.

These health professionals can include your GP, cancer specialist, nurse, physiotherapist, counsellor and social worker, among others.

Making treatment decisions

Sometimes it is difficult to decide on the type of treatment to have. You may feel that everything is happening too fast, or you might be anxious to get started.

Check with your specialist about how quickly you should begin treatment, as it may not affect the success of the treatment to wait a while. Ask them to explain the options and take as much time as you can before deciding.

Know your options

Record the details

Ask questions

Consider a second opinion

Join a clinical trial

 

Caring for someone with blood cancer

Becoming a carer for someone with blood cancer can be sudden or it may be a gradual process. It’s natural to be worried about the demands that come with a caring role and the impact this might have on your life.

Call 13 11 20 to speak to an experienced cancer nurse. Join our online discussion forum to connect with others who have had a similar experience, and listen to our podcast episodes for carers, family and friends to help you make sense of what is happening.

Learn more

 

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