© Getty Images

What are blood cancers? -

Blood cancers, or hematologic cancers, is a general term used to describe several types of cancer that develop in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is where blood is produced.

© Shutterstock

Blood cancers -

Abnormal blood cells then start growing uncontrollably and affect the function of normal blood cells.

© Shutterstock

Types of blood cancer -

There are three main types of blood cancer. These are: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Let’s take a look at each of them.

© Shutterstock

Leukemia -

This type of blood cancer occurs when an excess of abnormal white blood cells is created, and they interfere with the bone marrow’s red blood cell and platelet production. There are two main types of leukemia.

© Shutterstock

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) -

This occurs in the bone marrow, when white blood cells called lymphocytes develop rapidly and affect the other healthy blood cells.

© Shutterstock

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) -

This is the most common type of blood cancer to affect children (mostly between ages three to five), but can also affect adults, usually over 75.

© Shutterstock

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) -

People at risk include those who have a sibling who has/had ALL, those with a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome, and those who have been exposed to radiation and chemotherapy (e.g. during cancer treatment).

© Shutterstock

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) -

This cancer develops in the myeloid cells, not allowing enough healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to develop.

© Shutterstock

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) -

AML is more common in men over 65. People at risk include smokers, those who’ve been exposed to toxic chemicals (e.g. benzene), radiation, or chemotherapy. People with genetic disorders and blood disorders such as myelodysplasia and polycythemia vera are also at risk.

© Shutterstock

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) -

CLL is similar to ALL, but it grows more slowly. As a result, some people won’t show any symptoms until years after the cancer started.

© Shutterstock

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) -

CLL is more common in men over 40. Being exposed to chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides may also increase the risk of developing CLL.

© Shutterstock

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) -

CML is similar to AML, but it develops at a slower rate. Exposure to radiation, in particular, can increase the risk of developing CML.

© Shutterstock

Lymphoma -

Lymphoma is another type of blood cancer. It develops in the lymphatic system (which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland).

© Shutterstock

Lymphoma -

The lymph system stores and carries white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infection in our bodies. More specifically, lymphomas develop in white blood cells called lymphocytes.

© Shutterstock

Hodgkin's lymphoma -

There are two main types of lymphomas. Hodgkin's lymphoma develops in immune cells called B lymphocyte (or simply B cells). These cells produce antibodies. People who suffer from this type of lymphoma have lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells.

© Shutterstock

Hodgkin's lymphoma -

Those with a compromised immune system (e.g. autoimmune conditions, HIV, etc.) are at higher risk. People who have had Epstein Barr virus, which causes glandular fever (mononucleosis), are also at risk, and so are those who smoke and are obese.

© Shutterstock

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma -

This cancer also develops in the lymphatic system. It affects white cells, such as B cells and T cells. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to Cancer Research UK, there are over 60 different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

© Shutterstock

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma -

Risk factors include a compromised immune system, celiac disease, exposure to radiation, etc. Some women can develop a rare type of lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which is caused by breast implants.

© Shutterstock

Myeloma -

Myeloma is the third most common type of blood cancer. It affects the plasma cells in bone marrow, which make antibodies.

© Shutterstock

Myeloma -

It mostly affects people over 40, most commonly men. Risk factors include obesity, lower immunity, family history, and exposure to radiation.

© Shutterstock

Other forms of blood and bone marrow cancers -

There are other, more rare, forms of blood cancer. These include Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In these conditions, blood-forming cells in the bone marrow don't develop into healthy blood cells.

© Shutterstock

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) -

These cancers occur in the bone marrow, where there is an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. MPNs are divided into three main subcategories: thrombocythemia (ET), myelofibrosis (MF), and polycythemia vera (PV).

© Shutterstock

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia -

This is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is characterized by a large amount of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow.

© Shutterstock

Symptoms -

Symptoms vary, depending on the type of cancer. These may include: fever, fatigue, weakness, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, loss of appetite, nausea, and bone/joint pain.

© Shutterstock

Symptoms -

Other symptoms include: headaches, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, skin rashes, bruising, unexplained bleeding, and frequent infections.

© Shutterstock

Diagnosis -

Diagnosing cancer usually starts with a physical examination (e.g. swollen lymph nodes), and a review of family history and personal medical history.

© Shutterstock

Diagnosis -

This is usually followed up with blood tests and a biopsy (usually of a lymph node or bone marrow). Imaging scans can also be used, although some forms of blood cancer do not cause visible tumors.

© Shutterstock

Treatment -

Treatment for blood cancers include chemotherapy, radio therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

© Shutterstock

Survival rates -

Survival rates vary, depending on the type of cancer and numerous other factors. Generally speaking, acute forms of blood cancer tend to be more aggressive and have lower survival rates.

© Shutterstock

Survival rates -

But those with chronic forms of blood cancers have a much higher chance of survival.

Sources: (Cancer Research UK) (WebMD) (Cancer Treatment Centers of America) (CNN) (Blood Cancer UK)

See also: Survivors! Stars who battled cancer 

© Shutterstock