Haematologist reveals the truth about blood cancer: 5 myths that could harm your liver

Blood cancer is a dangerous disease. Although it remains a serious diagnosis, survival rates are rising, yet myths still hold many back from early help. In India, blood cancers, like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, continue to pose a major health burden, with cases projected to rise to 29.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by 2025.

According to Dr Shrinath Kshirsagar, a senior haematologist and bone marrow transplant expert, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, Even today many people arrive too late because they didn’t believe the signs or thought there was no cure. “It is crucial to bust the myths surrounding blood cancer. It is so important for better patient outcomes.”

Awareness, he adds, can actually change survival stories. “Blood cancer doesn’t mean life is over. With early diagnosis and modern treatment, many people lead long, active lives. It’s important to understand the facts, ditch the fear, and get help early.”

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Dr Kshirsagar told Moneycontrol 5 common myths about blood cancer, and the real facts behind them

• Myth: Blood cancer is always fatal

This is one of the biggest fears, and falsehoods. “Thanks to treatments like targeted therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplants, survival rates have improved drastically,” Dr Kshirsagar told Moneycontrol. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), for instance, is now manageable for decades with just tablets.

• Myth: Only older people get blood cancer

While it's true that some types like chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are more common in older adults, children are just as vulnerable. “Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common cancer in children,” Dr Kshirsagar told Moneycontrol. Young adults, too, can develop lymphomas like Hodgkin’s disease.

• Myth: Blood cancer is contagious

The fact is you can’t catch cancer. It's not a virus or bacteria. “You can hug, eat with or live around someone with blood cancer without any risk,” the doctor explains. However, patients undergoing treatment often have low immunity and need to avoid infections, not people.

• Myth: It always runs in the family

While a family history can slightly increase risk, it’s not the whole story. “Most cases occur due to random genetic changes, not inheritance,” says Dr Kshirsagar. Environmental exposures, certain infections, and lifestyle factors may also play a role in developing blood cancer.

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• Myth: It can’t be detected early

Absolutely false. Dr Kshirsagar stresses the importance of watching for signs: “Persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unusual bruising or swollen glands, these are not to be ignored.” Simple blood tests and prompt doctor visits can lead to early diagnosis, crucial for effective treatment.

FAQs about Blood Cancer

What are the main types of blood cancer?

The main types of blood cancer are leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Can blood cancer be treated successfully?

Yes, with early diagnosis and treatments like targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants, many patients can lead long, active lives.

Are children at risk of blood cancer?

Yes, children can develop blood cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which is the most common cancer in children.

Is blood cancer hereditary?

While family history can slightly increase risk, most cases are due to random genetic changes, not inheritance.

Can blood cancer be detected early?

Yes, early detection is possible through simple blood tests and recognising symptoms like persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unusual bruising, or swollen glands.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.