Common Blood Cancer Signs You Should Know About

According to experts, roughly 1 million Americans have chronic blood cancer and this number is likely to reach as high as 2.3 million by the year 2030. However, there are stages and different types of cancers where the blood-producing cells in the body become immature and uncontrollable. These cells multiply at a very fast pace and take over the other cells in the blood making them immature and leading to dangerous infections, anemia and organ damage. 

The problem with blood cancer is that you often can’t spot it early on. Most of its symptoms are vague, so you must know what to look for so that you can get blood cancer treatment at the earliest. Here are the common signs of blood cancer you should know about.

Symptoms of Blood Cancer

While there are different types of blood cancer, there are some common signs and symptoms that can help you identify the condition. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to see a doctor right away:

• Unexplained Weight Loss: This can be one of the earliest signs of blood cancer, as the body’s metabolism is affected.

• Persistent Fatigue: Cancer cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce energy, leading to fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest.

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system and cancer cells can cause them to swell.

• Fever: Fever can be another early sign of blood cancer, as the body’s immune system works overtime to fight the disease.

• Night Sweats: Cancer cells can affect the body’s temperature regulation, leading to night sweats that can be very disruptive.

 Along with these blood cancer symptoms, there are a few more signs that you should be aware of: fatigue, shortness of breath, and easy bruising or bleeding.

• Fatigue: This is one of the most common blood cancer symptoms and can be caused by several factors, including anemia, cancer cells crowding out healthy cells, and cancer treatments.

• Shortness of Breath: This is another common symptom that can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the lungs or by cancer cells pressing on the lungs.

• Easy Bruising or Bleeding: This can be a sign of blood cancer, especially if it occurs without any injury. This can be caused by a decrease in platelets, which are responsible for clotting.

Types of Blood Cancer

There are several types of blood cancer, each with its distinct cause. The most common type is leukaemia, which is caused by the abnormal production of white blood cells. This can be due to a genetic mutation or exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. 

The other types of blood cancer include lymphoma, which is caused by the abnormal production of lymphocytes and myeloma, which is caused by the abnormal production of plasma cells. While the exact cause of each type of blood cancer is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified, such as age, family history, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

Causes

• Different types of blood cancer have different causes. However, the most common type of blood cancer, leukaemia, is typically caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Genetic factors that may contribute to the development of leukaemia include certain inherited genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome. People with these disorders have a higher risk of developing leukaemia.
• Environmental factors that may increase the risk of leukaemia include exposure to ionizing radiation and certain chemicals, such as benzene. Ionizing radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that can damage DNA and lead to the development of leukaemia. Benzene is a chemical that is found in tobacco smoke and certain industrial chemicals. Exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of developing leukaemia.

Awareness of blood cancer signs is important because the earlier blood cancer is detected, the better are the chances of a cure. We hope that this post was able to help you learn about the common blood cancer signs. The next time you or someone you know experiences symptoms like this, you can look for the best cancer hospital in Delhi NCR and get screened. If tested positive, the cancer specialists at these hospitals can devise the most effective treatment plan depending on the patient’s condition.