New Delhi, 26 September, 2025: Every September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, patient support, and advances in treatment for blood cancers. These diseases—leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma—attack the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems. While they can strike at any age, the difference between life and mortality often lies in how early they’re spotted.
In a recent interview, Dr. Nitin Agarwal, MD in Transfusion Medicine and head of Donor Request Management at DKMS Foundation, outlined key warning signs, diagnostic tools, and evolving treatment options. Here’s a deeper look at what he and other oncologists emphasize, plus what patients and their loved ones must watch for.
What Are Blood Cancers?
Blood cancers are malignant conditions affecting cells of the blood and immune system. The main types include:
- Leukemia: Cancer of the bone marrow that causes abnormal white blood cell production.
- Lymphoma: Cancer beginning in lymph nodes or lymphoid tissues (e.g., Hodgkin’s, non-Hodgkin’s).
- Multiple myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow, often affecting bone strength and immunity.
These malignancies interfere with the normal balance of blood cells—white cells, red cells, and platelets—leading to systemic effects that can manifest subtly or aggressively.
Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Dr. Agarwal lists several red-flag symptoms that warrant medical attention:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness: Even without obvious exertion.
- Recurring fevers or infections despite treatment.
- Unexplained weight loss without dieting.
- Night sweats drenching sleepwear or bedding.
- Bone pain, especially in long bones or back.
- Swollen or painless lymph nodes, typically in neck, armpits, or groin.
- Excessive bruising or bleeding—gums, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding after injuries.
- Abdominal swelling or pain from enlarged spleen or liver.
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort when red blood cell counts are low.
Because many of these symptoms are non-specific (they also appear in common illnesses), awareness and vigilance are essential. A symptom that persists without clear cause, especially when combinations appear, should trigger further evaluation.
Diagnostic Tools: How Doctors Confirm Blood Cancer
Once suspicion arises, doctors use a battery of tests to confirm and classify blood cancer. Dr. Agarwal outlines commonly used modalities:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
A basic test to check blood counts of white cells, red cells, and platelets. Abnormal patterns raise initial red flags. - Peripheral blood smear
Under microscope, doctors look for abnormal cells like blasts or immature white cells. - Bone marrow biopsy / aspiration
Considered the gold standard, this involves sampling marrow (often from the hip bone) to observe malignant transformation. - Lymph node biopsy
In suspected lymphoma, removing part or all of a suspicious node helps establish subtype and staging. - Immunophenotyping / Flow cytometry
Determines the specific lineage and markers on cancer cells—essential for targeted therapy. - Cytogenetics and molecular testing
Chromosome analyses and gene-mutation assays (e.g. BCR-ABL, FLT3, etc.) help refine prognosis and therapy decisions. - Imaging studies
X-rays, CT scans, PET scans to detect spread in lymph nodes, bones, or organs. - Protein electrophoresis / immunoglobulin assays
Especially in suspected multiple myeloma, abnormal proteins (M proteins) in blood or urine are markers.
Through these tests, doctors classify cancer subtype, stage, aggressiveness, and tailor treatment accordingly.
Risk Factors & Possible Triggers
While many cases arise without identifiable cause, several risk factors are known:
- Genetic predisposition or family history
- Prior exposure to radiation or chemotherapy for other cancers
- Contact with industrial chemicals (benzene, certain pesticides)
- Viruses such as HTLV-1, Epstein–Barr virus
- Immune suppression or disorders
- Some lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, chronic inflammation) may also contribute
Dr. Agarwal cautions: “Not every cause is modifiable, but knowing risk helps in surveillance and early detection.”
Modern Treatment Options: What’s Available Today
Treatment of blood cancers has evolved dramatically. What was once universally grim now offers many patients a chance of remission or long-term survival. Major modalities include:
1. Chemotherapy
Still a mainstay, chemo uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It’s often combined with other therapies.
2. Targeted Therapy / Small Molecule Inhibitors
Drugs aimed at specific mutations (e.g. tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia) allow more precise attacks with fewer side effects.
3. Immunotherapy / Monoclonal Antibodies / CAR T-Cell Therapy
Harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. CAR T therapy, in particular, has revolutionized treatment in refractory cases.
4. Stem Cell / Bone Marrow Transplantation
High-dose chemo is paired with infusion of healthy stem cells from a donor or self (autologous). Used especially for aggressive leukemias, relapsed disease, or myeloma.
5. Radiation Therapy
Used in localized lymphomas or to shrink disease burden before other treatments.
6. Supportive / Palliative Care
Blood transfusions, antibiotic support, growth factors, pain control, and psychological support are integral to comprehensive care.
Choice of treatment depends on subtype, patient age, comorbidities, and mutation profile.
Challenges & Side Effects
While treatments have improved, they also bear risks:
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can cause infection, organ toxicity, infertility, and secondary cancers.
- Transplants carry risks of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), rejection, and high mortality in some cases.
- Long-term survivors may face chronic issues: weakened immunity, cardiac damage, bone problems.
Hence, ongoing monitoring, supportive care, and rehabilitation are essential parts of the journey.
Importance of Early Detection & Follow-Up Care
As Dr. Agarwal emphasizes, “When an individual observes that the early symptoms persist for a long time, the best step forward is to seek early detection and medical intervention. This significantly helps achieve better outcomes.” Time matters. Detecting cancer at earlier stage often allows less aggressive therapy and greater survival.
After treatment, patients undergo regular follow-up with:
- Blood tests, imaging, bone marrow checks
- Monitoring for relapse or secondary complications
- Lifestyle support: nutrition, exercise, psychological counseling
Many survivors lead healthy lives, with disease-free intervals of years or decades.
What Patients & Families Can Do
- Be vigilant about symptoms
Note any persistent fatigue, unexplained fevers, weight loss, swelling, or bleeding. - Seek prompt medical evaluation
Don’t ignore non-specific symptoms; early workup can catch disease earlier. - Ask for a second opinion on diagnosis & treatment plan
Especially in rare subtypes, discussing options with a hematologist is critical. - Participate in clinical trials
Many cutting-edge therapies derive from trials; patients may benefit and help future care. - Adopt healthy lifestyle supports
Nutrition, gentle exercise, stress-reduction, and avoiding infections help in recovery. - Psychosocial support and counseling
A cancer diagnosis affects families; emotional support and counseling matter as much as medical care.
Blood Cancer Awareness: Breaking Myths & Reducing Stigma
Sadly, many patients delay seeking help due to myths or fear. Some common misconceptions:
- “It’s always fatal.” – Not true with modern therapy.
- “I’ll lose hair and fitness.” – Side effects can be managed.
- “My insurance won’t cover it.” – Many programs and nonprofits offer support.
- “It’s contagious.” – Blood cancers are not infectious at all.
Awareness month aims to dispel these myths, offer community support, and remind people: health issues are no shame. Early medical care saves lives.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month is a clarion call—to remain alert, to educate, and to give hope. Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma can be silent and insidious, but early recognition of symptoms plus access to diagnostic tools and modern therapies can change outcomes significantly.
As Dr. Nitin Agarwal’s insights remind us, no discomfort should be dismissed. If symptoms persist, push for a complete evaluation. For patients, families, and advocates, awareness month is not just symbolic—it’s lifesaving.
