Blood Cancer Awareness Month: Expert Explains Early Signs and Diagnosis

Just like any type of cancer, blood cancer is a critical diagnosis. While it is believed that blood cancer is fatal, it is not always the case. There are several types of blood cancer, some of which are life-threatening and some are easily treatable. Awareness, timely diagnosis and right treatment are crucial for survival after blood cancer. As per The National Institutes of Health, around 80,000 new cases of blood cancer are detected annually. Out of all the cancers in India, blood cancer accounts for 8.2% which is concerning.

Did you know cancers typically exhibit a gradual onset of symptoms, which may go unnoticed? This is why it is important to be aware of the signs for an early diagnosis and treatment. On the occasion of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke to Dr Satish Kumar A, Consultant - Hematologist and Hemato-Oncologist, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Hebbal, and Millers Road, who explained blood cancer, its early signs, and how to diagnose it.

Dr Kumar said, “Blood cancers are cancers arising from the bone marrow, the tissue inside bones where different types of blood cells are produced. It's important to note that there are three primary categories of blood cancers: Leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Also, all blood cancers are not the same; each has several subtypes and is managed differently.”

He added, “The treatment and prognosis of blood cancer differ completely based on a lot of factors including age, general condition at presentation, stage or risk stratification, and the type of blood cancer. It can affect any age group, though some blood cancers have a predilection for certain age groups.”

Early Signs of Blood Cancers

As per the American Society of Hematology, blood cancers interfere with the formation and functioning of blood cells, with a majority of them originating in the bone marrow, where your body produces blood. In the bone marrow, stem cells typically transform into one of three specific types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. However, in the presence of cancer, this natural process gets disrupted as abnormal blood cells start to multiply.

Also Read: When Tiredness Isn’t Just Fatigue: The Hidden Signs of Blood Cancer

Recognising early signs of these cancers is paramount for timely treatment and improved outcomes. The tolerance to treatment is better if started early before any complications like infections develop. Dr Kumar said, “Some blood cancers like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children have cure rates of more than 90%. Also, acute promyelocytic leukaemia has a cure rate of 80-90% if diagnosed and treatment initiated early. Otherwise, there is a very high risk of death, if therapy is delayed.”

Hence, it is crucial to identify people with the following symptoms and signs and be referred to a Hemato-oncologist at the earliest for further evaluation and management. Dr Kumar listed the common symptoms of various blood cancers as follows:

• Unexplained fatigue: Mild exercise intolerance, shortness of breath on walking short distances; occurs due to anaemia as a result of blood cancer-suppressing the production of normal red cells in the bone marrow.
• Bleeding manifestations:  Easy bruisability, excessive bleeding during periods in women, bleeding from the nose or bleeding from gums, etc., due to decreased production of platelets in the marrow
• Frequent infections: This is due to a weakened immune system and may present as recurrent or persistent fever
• Night sweats 
• Unexplained or unintentional weight loss: Loss of more than 10% weight in the last six months
• Loss of appetite
• Lymph node swelling: Enlarged glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Itching: Persistent and generalised
• Bone Pain: The pain may not be resolving and may worsen gradually. You may also experience rib pains or back pain, which are not relieved by rest and are exaggerated when lying down on your back, causing a disturbance in sleep.

These are the most common symptoms and signs that are suspicious for blood cancers. Anyone with these symptoms should consult their physician immediately, get examined thoroughly, and also evaluated accordingly.

Also Read: Why Rare Cancers In India Deserve Urgent Attention

Diagnosing Blood Cancers

Awareness and early diagnosis of blood cancers are key in the fight against these challenging diseases. The initial diagnostic tests may include a complete blood picture with peripheral smear, kidney function, and liver function tests, and an ultrasound of the abdomen. 

• Complete blood picture with peripheral smear
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Abdominal ultrasound

Dr Kumar added, “If the symptoms and initial investigations are suspicious of blood cancer, they should immediately be referred to a Hemato-oncologist for further assessment and tests. They may have to undergo a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy or Lymph node biopsy to diagnose the exact type of blood cancers and for prognosis. They may need scans like CT scans or PET-CT scans, depending on the type of blood cancer. Remember, the earlier the diagnosis of blood cancer is made, the better the tolerability and results of treatment.”

[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any signs for a proper diagnosis.]