Blood cancer occurs when normal blood cell production, which happens in the bone marrow, is interrupted by the uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. When abnormal blood cells build up in the blood, it can affect how the rest of the body functions. 

Blood cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosis and also the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia in the latest national report. Although incidence for most cancer types have largely improved over the years, blood cancer remains an exception. Incidence of this type of cancer continues to grow, and it is up to 47% in the last 10 years alone.

Blood cancers are categorised according to the type of cells affected. There are three main types:

Leukaemia

Leukaemia starts in the bone marrow where developing blood cells (usually white cells) undergo a malignant change. These cells then crowd the marrow, affecting the body’s ability to produce normal blood cells. There are four kinds of leukaemia: acute lymphoblastic, acute myeloid, chronic lymphocytic, and chronic myeloid. In 2021, an estimated 2,029 deaths in Australia were due to leukaemia. The five-year survival rate has significantly improved in the last twenty years, from 43% in 1988-1992 to 63% in 2013-2017.

Symptoms can include:

• Signs of anaemia

• Chronic infection (such as fevers, sweats, sores)

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Joint pain

• Spontaneous bruising and increased bleeding

• Painful passing of urine

Lymphoma

Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system, part of the immune system which protects the body against disease and infection. These occur when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) undergo a malignant change and multiply in an uncontrolled way. The lymphoma cells then accumulate to form tumours in the lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which can be distinguished by the specific lymphocytes involved.

Symptoms can include:

• Swelling of lymph nodes

• Fever

• Night sweats

• Sudden weight loss

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

Myeloma

Myeloma develops in plasma cells (a type of white cell) of the bone marrow. It is often called multiple myeloma because marrow is found in multiple bones such as the spine, skull, ribs, pelvis, and shoulder. The five-year survival rate for myeloma is 51%.

Symptoms can include:

• Kidney problems

• Frequent nose bleeding

• Feeling pain in the bones

• Fatigue

• Chronic infections that don’t go away

Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals or solvents is a known risk associated with leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. HIV infection, which can weaken the immune system, Epstein-Barr virus (herpesvirus 4), and Human T-Cell leukaemia virus, can also increase risk.

People assigned male at birth are at a slightly greater risk of lymphoma. Having a family history of Hodgkin lymphoma increases the risk of this disease, and it is also more common in early adulthood (people in their 20s). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in late adulthood (60 above).