Introduction to Blood Cancer:
Blood cancer, also called haematological cancer, refers to cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Blood cancers, also known as hematologic cancers, are cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. There are different types of blood cancers, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of blood cancers is important for early detection and treatment. This article will provide an overview of the most common types of blood cancers, their associated symptoms, and current treatment options. Oncologist in Chennai analyze symptoms, order blood tests and biopsies, and interpret results to diagnose specific subtypes of blood cancers. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Blood Cancers: Myths Versus Facts
Blood cancers, also known as hematologic cancers, arise from abnormal blood cells within the bone marrow. They include leukaemias, lymphomas, and myelomas. These cancers are relatively uncommon compared to others like lung or breast cancer. This results in many misconceptions surrounding blood cancers. This article will debunk some common myths and provide facts about these diseases.
Myth: Blood cancers are contagious.
Fact: Blood cancers cannot spread from one person to another by casual contact. They start from genetic changes within one’s own blood cells and bone marrow, not from any outside agent. You cannot “catch” a blood cancer from someone who has it.
Myth: Blood cancers are always fatal.
Fact: While blood cancers used to have very poor prognoses, modern treatments allow many patients to beat blood cancers and maintain long-term remission or even cures. The 5-year survival rate for many blood cancers now exceeds 60%.
Myth: Blood cancers only affect older people.
Fact: While the risk increases with age, blood cancers can occur at any age. About 15% of childhood cancers are leukemias. Some blood cancers like ALL (acute lymphocytic leukaemia) are most common in children and youth.
Myth: Blood cancer means you have too much or too little blood.
Fact: Blood cancer refers to cancers arising in blood-forming cells, not the total amount of blood itself. Blood cell counts may be abnormal, but overall blood volume is usually normal.
Myth: Blood cancers are easily diagnosed from one blood test.
Fact: While blood tests help detect blood cancers, multiple tests like bone marrow biopsies and imaging scans are required for definite diagnosis. Doctors must analyze the shape and DNA of abnormal cells.
Myth: Blood cancers can be treated with surgery or radiation alone.
Fact: Chemotherapy is the most common and effective treatment for most blood cancers. Radiation is sometimes used. Surgery is not typically an option, since blood cancers rarely form solid tumors. At HCG Eko Cancer Center Kolkata, you can find the Radiation procedure.
Myth: Alternative treatments alone can cure blood cancers.
Fact: No alternative approach alone has proven curative effects. However, some complementary therapies can help patients manage the side effects of mainstream treatments. They should not replace doctor-recommended therapies.
Myth: People with blood cancers should avoid fruits and vegetables.
Fact: A nutritious diet with fruits and vegetables is encouraged for patients to maintain strength. But foods like grapefruit may interact with medications, so check with your doctor.
Myth: Blood cancers mean certain death.
Fact: Advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants have transformed blood cancers from fatal to highly treatable. Long-term survival is expected for many patients who receive prompt, expert care.
Conclusion
Knowing the facts helps dispel fear and misinformation about blood cancers. While still serious illnesses, most types are now very manageable. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment provide the best outlook. Blood cancers are serious diseases, but ongoing advances in treatment provide new hope. While some types like acute leukemias remain challenging to treat, survival rates for many blood cancers continue to improve. Drugs targeting specific mutations alongside emerging immunotherapies are transforming the prognosis for many patients. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, enrollment in clinical trials, and access to quality care are key to battling these diseases.
