September is Blood Cancer awareness month. An important time of the year as it raises awareness and understanding of blood cancers. It aims to support patients affected by blood cancer, spread awareness and to raise fund to progress research in blood cancer.
Blood cancers combined, are the second most diagnosed cancers in Australia and claims the lives of more than 5,600 people each year. It also continues to remain the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer.
There are three main groups of blood cancer — leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Leukemia – This is the general name given to a group of cancers that develop in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal blood cells.
Lymphoma – a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. This is when abnormal white blood cells grow. (The lymphatic system is the part of the body’s germ-fighting network.)
Myeloma – a cancer of the blood’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow.
Blood Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Lumos of swellings
- Shortness of breath
- Drenching night sweats
- Repeat or severe infections
- Regular and frequent fevers
- Unexplained rash or itchy skin
- Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen
- Fatigue
- Unusually pale complexion
Fundraising is one of the ways that you can help make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families. To donate, click here – https://www.lymphoma.org.au/donate/