Blood Cancer: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer is a complex and often misunderstood disease. It affects the production and function of blood cells, hindering the body's ability to fight off infections and stay healthy. Understanding blood cancer starts with the bone marrow, where abnormal cells begin to grow out of control, interrupting the vital work of your healthy cells.

Navigate Your Diagnosis with Confidence: Blood cancer comes with a steep learning curve and complex treatment pathways. Our Conquer Cancer Guidebook was created by a blood cancer survivor (Lotte May) to help you manage the mental and physical load. It breaks down complex medical terms and provides the tracking tools you need for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow recovery.

Conquer Cancer Guidebook for blood cancer patients

The Three Main Types of Blood Cancer

Leukaemia: Found in the blood and bone marrow, caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells.
Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing excess fluids and producing immune-fighting cells.
Myeloma: Targets plasma cells—a type of white blood cell that produces essential disease-fighting antibodies.

Signs & Symptoms

While symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, there are common red flag signs that should prompt a consultation with a hematologist:

Persistent fatigue or weakness.
Fever, chills, or excessive night sweats.
Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.
Swollen lymph nodes (neck, underarms, or groin).
Bone pain, tenderness, or easy bruising/bleeding.
Frequent infections that are slow to clear.

Treatment of Blood Cancer

Treatment is highly personalised based on the specific type of cancer and how fast it is progressing. Common approaches include:

Chemotherapy & Radiation: To kill cancer cells or shrink tumours.
Stem Cell Transplantation: Replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy cells to restart blood production.
Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy: Advanced treatments that boost the body’s natural defences or block specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful recovery. If you suspect you are experiencing these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately for an accurate diagnosis.