Blood cancers are malignant tumors that affect blood-forming organs, including the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and skin. These cancers are also called myeloid leukemias and lymphomas. Most blood cancers have some sort of genetic cause. However, environmental factors play a role in some forms of these cancers. Genetic mutations do not explain the occurrence of certain types of blood cancers.
There are many ways to treat blood cancer. Blood cancer can be treated by bone marrow transplant, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The blood cancer treatment cost may vary depending upon the type of treatment that has been chosen as the main treatment plan.
Type of blood cancer
There are many types of blood cancer which are listed below:
- Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer that begins in cells of the immune system (the white blood cells). There are two different kinds of leukemia—acute and chronic. Acute leukemia occurs when the body’s own immune system destroys healthy cells and then stops working properly. Chronic leukemia affects cells that make up the immune system over time.
- Myeloma
Myeloma is an aggressive type of cancer that starts in plasma cells, which produce antibodies and other substances that help fight infection. Plasma cells develop from stem cells in bone marrow. If the plasma cells become defective, they may stop producing antibodies, leading to anemia, weakness, fatigue, and fever.
- Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a general term for several types of cancer that start in the cells of the lymphatic system. These cancers are often divided into Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, where the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. The inflammation damages nerves, causing them to malfunction and eventually die. Symptoms may change according to the position of the affected part. Other symptoms include vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, tremors, dizziness, and difficulty walking.
- Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that occurs due to a mutation in the hemoglobin gene of the DNA. Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In sickle cell anemia, abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume a sickled shape. Red blood cells containing this mutated protein are less flexible than normal ones and clump together. When they stick to each other, they block capillaries and cut off blood flow to parts of the body. Sickle cell anemia is inherited, meaning people who inherit the mutant gene from either parent are at risk for getting sickle cell anemia. People with sickle cell anemia tend to get painful episodes of illness known as crises. A crisis involves sudden pain in the chest, abdomen, back, arms, legs, or joints. Pain can last anywhere from hours to days.
- Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops in nerve cells in children. Neuroblastoma tends to occur in children younger than 6 years old. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.
How to prevent blood cancer?
There are some ways by which you can reduce the chances of getting blood cancer. Some of the ways by which you can prevent cancer are listed below:
1. Avoid tobacco smoke
It’s been proven time and again that smoking causes cancers and other diseases. Tobacco smoke contains over 60 chemicals, including at least 40 carcinogens. Nicotine is just one of them. If someone smokes, they should consider quitting immediately. If they cannot quit cold turkey, then they should at least try to cut back on their smoking.
2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed full of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. These types of food items help keep your immune system strong and away from such diseases like lifestyle disorders, cancer etc. Fruits and vegetables also make great snacks. Try eating these foods often throughout the day.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise increases your body temperature, helping to lower levels of harmful substances like free radicals. In addition, exercise boosts your heart rate and breathing, which helps clear toxins out of your lungs. Exercise also reduces stress, leading to fewer bad habits.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is not only good for your physical well-being, but it also gives your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Make sure you get at least seven hours of rest each night.
5. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated and flush out any toxins you may have ingested. Water also hydrates and moisturizes your skin, keeping it soft and supple.
6. Quit using harsh beauty products
Beauty products like hair spray, deodorants and lotions can irritate your skin and cause inflammation. Instead opt for natural alternatives that won’t clog pores, dry out your skin or irritate your eyes. Baking soda, aloe vera juice and apple cider vinegar can all be effective home remedies.
7. Say no to alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain function and makes you feel tired and sluggish. Alcohol also dehydrates your body and can lead to weight gain. Drinking alcohol also lowers your inhibitions, making you more likely to engage in dangerous activities.