Dr. Chirag Shah on Blood Cancer: There are many misconceptions about blood cancer which are taken for granted by Dr. Apollo Hospital. Chirag Shah talks about blood cancer know more…
Blood Sample Test (Symbolic Image)
Dr. Chirag Shah on Blood Cancer: Blood means blood is made up of different types of blood cells. Such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets (small blood cells). These three have different functions.
• -RBC: These blood cells contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
• -WBC: plays an important role in immunity and is very important in immune function. Plasma cells are a type of WBC that produce antibodies (elements in the blood that fight foreign pathogens) to help protect the body from various infections.
• -Platelets: which are responsible for thickening the blood and stop the flow of blood whenever there is an injury or cut in any part of the body.
Blood cancer results when the body starts producing abnormally large numbers of immature blood cells. These immature blood cells become unable to perform their functions at full capacity and thereby affect the normal functions of the body or other normally functioning organs.
As September is considered as Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month, let’s dispel the myths about blood cancer by making people aware of the true facts and spreading awareness for better treatment by detecting cancer in its early stages.
Myth 1 – Leukemia is the only type of blood cancer
Fact: No, there are generally three types of blood cancer. One is leukemia, the second is lymphoma and the third is myeloma. Leukemia occurs when the production of white blood cells becomes abnormal. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the lymphatic system and lymph nodes, that most commonly affects lymphocytes (a type of small leukocyte with a single round nucleus found in the lymph system), and lymphocytes are also a type of white blood cell. There are mainly two types of lymphomas, one of which is Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Myeloma is a type of cancer in which the plasma cells become abnormal and which affects multiple places in the body at the same time, from the gums to the waist and spine.
Myth 2 – Blood cancer mostly affects children
Fact: No, blood cancer can occur in both children and adults. While leukemia is the most common cancer in children. But leukemia can also happen to older people i.e. adults.
Myth: Blood cancer is caused by anemia.
Fact: A patient suffering from blood cancer can develop or experience anemia but it is a misconception that anemia alone causes blood cancer. The main cause of anemia is deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Anemia can be caused by a number of medical conditions, but the most common cause is nutritional deficiency, particularly iron deficiency.
Myth: Blood cancer does not have any visible symptoms
Dr. Chirag Shah on Blood Cancer: Fact: Yes, blood cancer may not have any visible symptoms. But there may be normal or moderate symptoms, although they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Signs and symptoms mainly seen in blood cancer include fatigue, frequent infections or fever, shortness of breath, night sweats, joint or bone pain, weightCommon symptoms include severe loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, itchy skin, loss of appetite, nausea and headache. However, these symptoms can also be due to other physical conditions or causes. But it is necessary to get a quick diagnosis by contacting a doctor or a health specialist and get timely treatment.
Myth 5- Donating blood causes blood cancer
Fact: No, blood donation does not cause blood cancer. On the other hand donating blood is very good and a life saving activity which can help patients suffering from other diseases by donating blood.Also blood cancer patients can also be helped by donating blood. CancerBlood transfusion and various blood cells-platelets or plasma are very necessary in the treatment of
Myth 6- All blood cancer patients need a bone marrow transplant for treatment.
Fact: No, not every blood cancer patient needs a transplant. Factors such as diagnosis after examination of the patient, genetic or hereditary characteristics or causes, progression of the disease and greater effectiveness of the treatment to the patient during treatment etc. are taken into consideration. After each patient is examined by a bone marrow specialist, it is determined whether the patient needs a transplant. At present, there are new drugs available according to the patient’s problems or individual symptoms and conditions in blood cancer. Also targeted therapy with advanced genetic profiling technology that provides rapid results in patient specific disorders and greatly improves the effectiveness of patient treatment in blood cancer.
Myth 7 Blood cancer is contagious
Fact: No, blood cancer is not contagious. which is not spread from person to person by casual or close contact. Blood cancer develops due to genetic mutations in blood cells or blood cells (in blood cells) or bone marrow. Blood cancer is not caused by bacteria, viruses or other infectious agents.
Myth 8- Blood cancer is incurable
Fact: With the advancement in research and technology in recent times, there has been a significant improvement in the success rate of treatment and the life expectancy of blood cancer patients. Many new treatment methods like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation etc. have shown effective results. If blood cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, treatment becomes possible and the patient’s chances of survival are also greatly increased.
Blood cancer can be daunting and stressful for patients and their families. So it is necessary to remove all these myths and promote true facts and understanding and help the patients suffering from this disease. To combat the myths and fears related to blood cancer one should be aware of all the true facts about blood cancer and the advances in diagnosis. Medical advice and help from skilled medical professionals i.e. expert doctors should be sought and the same should be strongly encouraged. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment and medical care are very important for improved outcomes in blood cancer.