Understanding Blood Cancers: A Comprehensive Overview

Pictured edited from canva

Blood cancers are a group of malignancies that begin in the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. Unlike solid tumors, these cancers disrupt the production and function of normal blood cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infection, transport oxygen, and regulate vital immune responses.

Types of Blood Cancer

The three main categories are:

• Leukemia: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. It can be acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-growing).

• Lymphoma: Cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, particularly in lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Myeloma (Multiple Myeloma): Cancer of plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies. It disrupts immune function and often leads to bone pain, anemia, and kidney problems.

Statistics

• Blood cancers account for approximately 10% of all new cancer cases each year in the United States.^1

• In 2024, it was estimated that 1.6 million people in the U.S. were living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.^2

• Every 3 minutes, one person in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer.^2

• Global data suggest that leukemia remains among the top 15 most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide.^3

Common Symptoms

Blood cancers can be difficult to detect early because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Key warning signs include:

• Frequent infections

• Unexplained weight loss

• Night sweats

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Swollen lymph nodes, spleen, or liver

• Bone pain (especially in myeloma)

Causes of Blood Cancer

While the exact cause of blood cancer is not always known, several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetic mutations: Abnormal DNA changes in blood-forming cells can lead to uncontrolled growth. A well-known example of this is the Philadelphia chromosome, which is associated with chronic myeloid leukemia.^4

• Inherited predispositions: Having a family history of leukemia or lymphoma may slightly increase an individual's risk.^4

• Environmental exposures: Chemicals such as benzene and high doses of ionizing radiation have been linked to the development of leukemia.^5

• Immune system dysfunction: Individuals with weakened immune systems, due to factors such as HIV, autoimmune diseases, or immunosuppressive treatments, are more susceptible to blood cancers.^6

• Viral infections: Certain viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), are associated with specific lymphomas and leukemias.^6

Treatment

Over the past two decades, treatment outcomes for blood cancers have improved significantly due to advancements in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Although outcomes vary widely based on the specific type of cancer, patient age, and access to care, many blood cancers that were once almost universally fatal are now highly treatable, with some even considered curable. For example, children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) now have survival rates exceeding 80%, and patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can expect a near-normal life expectancy with targeted therapies. However, more aggressive cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), still have poorer prognoses. Ongoing research and equitable access to modern therapies are essential for improving outcomes across all patient groups.

Conclusion

Blood cancers affect millions of people around the world and pose a significant health challenge. Although advancements in treatment, such as precision medicine, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation, have improved survival rates, disparities in diagnosis and access to care persist. Increasing awareness, promoting early detection, and investing in research are essential to ensure that every patient not only survives a blood cancer diagnosis but also lives well beyond it.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Blood Cancers. Updated 2024. Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.cancer.org

2. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Facts and Statistics. 2024. Accessed September 20, 2025. https://www.lls.org 

3. Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209-249. doi:10.3322/caac.21660

4.  Rowley JD. The critical role of chromosome translocations in human leukemias. Annu Rev Genet. 1998;32:495-519. doi:10.1146/annurev.genet.32.1.495

5. Smith MT. Advances in understanding benzene health effects and susceptibility. Annu Rev Public Health. 2010;31:133-148. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103646

6. Sapkota S, Shaikh H. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. [Updated 2023 Feb 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK559328/

7. CancerCenter. Blood Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Survival Rate. City of Hope / Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Updated June 21, 2022. Accessed [date you accessed]. https://www.cancercenter.com/blood-cancers 

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