Overview
Blood cancer, also known as hematological malignancy, is a group of cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Unlike solid tumors, blood cancers interfere with the production and function of blood cells, leading to serious complications affecting immunity, oxygen transport, and clotting.
Blood cancer can occur at any age, including in children, adults, and the elderly. Advances in diagnostics, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation have significantly improved outcomes in many types of blood cancer. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to improving survival and quality of life.
Burden of Blood Cancer in India
Blood cancers constitute a significant proportion of all cancers in India. It is estimated that India reports approximately 70,000–80,000 new blood cancer cases every year. Leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma are the most common types.
Blood cancers are among the leading cancers in children and young adults. In adults, incidence increases with age. Late diagnosis, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialized hematology-oncology services contribute to higher mortality in many regions.
Blood Cancer in Karnataka
Karnataka reports a considerable number of blood cancer cases annually. Hospital-based cancer registries indicate blood cancers as a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Both pediatric and adult populations are affected. Urban centers have better access to diagnostic and treatment facilities, while rural areas often face delays in diagnosis and referral.
Key Statistics at a Glance
India:
- New blood cancer cases per year: ~70,000–80,000
- Major types: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma
- Common in children and older adults
Karnataka:
- Significant burden of hematological malignancies
- Late-stage diagnosis common in rural areas
What Is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer occurs when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably and disrupt the normal production and function of healthy blood cells. Most blood cancers originate in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced.
Blood cancers affect:
- White blood cells (immunity)
- Red blood cells (oxygen transport)
- Platelets (blood clotting)
The abnormal cells crowd out normal cells, leading to infections, anemia, and bleeding tendencies.
Types of Blood Cancer
1. Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. It can be acute or chronic.
Major types include:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It commonly presents with enlarged lymph nodes.
Main types include:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
3. Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. It affects the bone marrow and can cause bone pain, fractures, anemia, and kidney problems.
Causes and Risk Factors of Blood Cancer
The exact cause of blood cancer is often unknown. However, several factors increase the risk, including genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation, exposure to certain chemicals (such as benzene), previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy, viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus), weakened immune system, smoking, and increasing age.
Most blood cancers are not inherited, though certain genetic conditions may increase risk.
Common Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Symptoms of blood cancer are often nonspecific and may develop gradually. Common symptoms include persistent fever, recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, bone or joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, liver or spleen, and night sweats.
Persistent or unexplained symptoms should prompt medical evaluation.
Diagnosis of Blood Cancer
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment and specialized tests. These include complete blood count (CBC), peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, cytogenetic and molecular testing, imaging studies such as CT scan or PET-CT, and organ function tests.
Accurate diagnosis and classification are essential for selecting appropriate treatment.
Staging and Risk Stratification
Unlike many solid tumors, blood cancers are not always staged in the traditional way. Risk stratification depends on disease type, genetic abnormalities, response to treatment, and patient factors. This helps guide treatment intensity and prognosis.
Treatment Options for Blood Cancer
Treatment depends on the type of blood cancer, disease stage or risk category, genetic profile, and patient’s overall health. Management is planned by a multidisciplinary hematology-oncology team.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is the backbone of treatment for many blood cancers and may be given in cycles.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted drugs act on specific molecular abnormalities, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy includes monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected cases.
Stem Cell Transplantation:
Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may be curative in selected patients and involves replacing diseased marrow with healthy stem cells.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation is used in selected lymphomas or for symptom relief.
Supportive Care:
Supportive care includes blood transfusions, antibiotics, growth factors, and management of treatment-related side effects.
Follow-Up and Survivorship Care
Regular follow-up is essential to monitor treatment response, detect relapse early, manage long-term complications, and support physical and emotional recovery. Survivorship care focuses on quality of life, fertility issues, and psychosocial well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blood cancer curable?
Many blood cancers are curable, especially when diagnosed early. Others can be controlled for long periods with modern treatment.
Does blood cancer affect children?
Yes. Leukemia is the most common cancer in children, and cure rates are high with appropriate treatment.
Is blood cancer hereditary?
Most blood cancers are not inherited, though family history may slightly increase risk.
Is stem cell transplant always required?
No. Transplant is needed only in selected cases based on disease type and risk.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you experience persistent fever, unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Conclusion
Blood cancer encompasses a wide range of diseases with varying behavior and outcomes. Advances in medical science have transformed blood cancer from a fatal illness to a potentially curable or controllable condition in many patients. Early diagnosis, access to specialized care, and adherence to treatment and follow-up are crucial for improving survival and quality of life. Early detection saves lives.
