World Cancer Day 2024: Know the truths and myths of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer is a scary term for all of us, evoking a myriad of emotions among many. It encompasses various malignancies affecting the blood cells.
This complex disease is often misunderstood as a lot of prevalent myths surrounding this deadly disease, leading to many misconceptions, unfounded fear, and anxiety among patients and families. Let us learn the truth and bust the common myths of blood cancer.
The Truths:
Blood Cancer is Not One Disease:
Blood cancer is not a singular disease but a group of malignancies, including acute leukaemia, chronic leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Each type of blood cancer has its distinct features, affecting different components of the blood or immune system, leading to varied clinical presentation.
Thus, recognizing this heterogeneity is essential for understanding the complexities involved in diagnosis and treatment.
Prevalent Across Age Groups:
Blood cancer can occur at any age. While certain types may be more common in specific age groups, blood cancer can affect children, adolescents, and adults alike. Early detection and diagnosis are vital in improving outcomes across all age ranges.
Most blood cancers are not inherited diseases:
Genetics can play a role in predisposing a few individuals to blood cancer. Some cases may have a hereditary component; hence it is important to understand family medical history. However, the majority of blood cancer patients we treat present with no family history, are sporadic, and are not directly linked to genetics.
Symptoms and Early Detection:
Recognizing early symptoms and signs of blood cancer is crucial for early detection. Look out for symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and easy bruising or bleeding as this may be a warning sign of blood cancer.
In this regard, regular health check-ups and awareness of these symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment.
