World Blood Cancer Day: May 28th
Every year on May 28th, World Blood Cancer Day shines a light on the millions of people worldwide affected by blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The day also raises awareness about the importance of early diagnosis, ongoing research, and stem cell donation, which can be lifesaving for some patients. Blood cancers can affect people of all ages and often presents with vague or non-specific symptoms, making awareness especially important. Understanding what blood cancer is, the signs to look out for, and how it may be treated can help encourage earlier detection and support for those impacted.
What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer is a term used to describe cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. These cancers develop when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with the normal function of healthy blood cells.
Healthy blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and include:
- Red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
- White blood cells, which help fight infection
- Platelets, which helps the blood to clot and prevent bleeding
When blood cancer develops, abnormal cells can crowd out healthy cells and disrupt these important processes. This may affect immunity, oxygen transport, and the body’s ability to heal.
The Main Types of Blood Cancer
There are many different forms of blood cancer, but the three main groups include leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Each affects different parts of the blood and immune system and can behave very differently depending on the subtype and stage of disease.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that usually involves the abnormal production of white blood cells. These abnormal cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells, affecting the body’s ability to fight infection, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.
Leukaemia can be classified as:
- Acute leukaemia – develops rapidly and usually requires urgent treatment
- Chronic leukaemia – develops more slowly and may progress over time
Common types include acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and helps fight infection and remove waste products from the body. It develops when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) become abnormal and grow uncontrollably.
The two main categories are:
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma is characterised by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed–Sternberg cells, which are usually identified during microscopic examination of affected tissue. Hodgkin’s lymphoma often follows a more predictable pattern of spread through the lymphatic system and is generally considered one of the more treatable forms of cancer, particularly when diagnosed early.
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) refers to a large and diverse group of lymphomas that do not contain Reed–Sternberg cells. There are many different subtypes of NHL, ranging from slow growing (indolent) forms to aggressive, fast-growing cancers. Because NHL includes many subtypes, symptoms, treatment approaches, and prognosis can vary significantly between individuals.
Symptoms often include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Some lymphomas grow slowly, while others are more aggressive and require prompt treatment.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies to help fight infection. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells.
Multiple myeloma can lead to:
- Bone pain and fractures
- Fatigue and anaemia
- Kidney problems
- Increased risk of infection
While multiple myeloma is generally considered a chronic and currently incurable condition, advances in treatment have significantly improved outcomes and quality of life for many people living with the disease.
Common Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of blood cancer, but many people experience general signs that may initially be mistaken for other illnesses.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever without a clear cause
- Bone or joint pain
- Pale skin (pallor)
Some people may experience very few symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular health checks and paying attention to persistent changes are important.
How is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis often involves a combination of:
- Blood tests
- Physical examination
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging scans such as CT or PET scans
- Genetic or molecular testing
These tests help doctors determine the specific type of blood cancer and guide treatment decisions.
How is Blood Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of blood cancer, how advanced it is, the person’s age and overall health, and other individual factors.
Common treatment approaches include:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. It remains one of the most common treatments for many blood cancers.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Some newer treatments help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells or target specific abnormalities within cancer cells. These therapies can sometimes improve outcomes while reducing damage to healthy cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used in certain blood cancers, particularly lymphomas, to target specific affected areas.
Stem Cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant aims to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells after intensive treatment. Stem cells may come from the patient themselves or from a donor. For some patients, this can offer the best chance of long-term remission or cure.
Supportive Care and Rehabilitation
People undergoing treatment may also require supportive care to help manage fatigue, pain, weakness, reduced mobility, and other physical impacts of treatment. Exercise, nutrition, and structured rehabilitation can play an important role in supporting quality of life during and after treatment.
The Importance of Awareness
Blood cancers are often described as “hidden” cancers because symptoms can be vague and easily overlooked. Increasing awareness can help people recognise warning signs earlier and encourage timely medical assessment.
World Blood Cancer Day also highlights the importance of stem cell donor registration. For some patients, a matching donor can provide a potentially lifesaving transplant opportunity.
How Hunter Rehab Hub Can Help
Living with blood cancer and undergoing treatment can place significant physical and emotional demands on the body. Many people experience fatigue, reduced strength, decreased fitness, muscle loss, pain, reduced mobility, balance changes, and difficulty returning to normal daily activities during or after treatment.
Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping individuals maintain function, improve physical capacity, and support overall quality of life throughout the cancer care journey.
At Hunter Rehab Hub, our cancer rehabilitation program is tailored to the individual and can assist with:
- Managing cancer-related fatigue
- Rebuilding strength and physical conditioning
- Improving mobility, balance, and endurance
- Supporting safe return to exercise and daily activities
- Managing pain and treatment-related side effects such as lymphoedema and neuropathy
- Improving confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing
Physiotherapy interventions can often be adapted around treatment schedules and individual energy levels, helping patients remain as active and functional as possible during treatment and recovery.
Supportive rehabilitation may also play an important role following stem cell transplant or intensive treatments, where individuals may experience prolonged deconditioning and reduced physical function. An individualised approach can help people safely progress toward their personal goals while supporting long-term health and quality of life.
In Summary
World Blood Cancer Day is an important reminder of the impact blood cancers can have on individuals and families, while also highlighting the value of awareness, early detection, ongoing research, and supportive care. Although treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging, advances in medical care and rehabilitation continue to improve outcomes and quality of life for many people living with blood cancer. With the right support, individuals can work toward maintaining strength, function, independence, and overall wellbeing throughout their cancer care journey and beyond.
References
- Cancer Council NSW – Blood Cancers
- Blood Cancer UK – Understanding Blood Cancer
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Understanding Leukemia
Disclaimer
This content is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individualised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about symptoms or your health, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
