Senior doctor debunks myths about blood cancer; Check out how many did you think were true

There are many myths around blood cancer that need to be addressed for once and for all (Picture Credit: Unsplash)

Myths or incomplete information about a disease builds up fear and delays treatment. Therefore, never ignore persistent, unexplained symptoms; immediately consult a specialist. Share the accurate information with the doctors and replace your fear with hope and strength to fight against blood cancer.

Blood cancer is a term often associated with fear and anxiety. Despite the enormous stride in diagnosis, awareness, and treatment, several myths and misconceptions are making the round. Knowledge of key facts about blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma can equip patients and their families to make informed decisions and bolster their treatment for improved prognosis. priors of incorrect conceptions can predispose to fear or misunderstanding and timely decision-making. The following pointers should clarify the concept of blood cancer patients having little chance of survival or prolonged suffering:

Dr Abhishek Dudhatra, Hemato-oncologist at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, said, “Thanks to advances in genetic testing, targeted treatments, bone marrow transplants, and newer immunotherapies, people with blood cancer are living longer and with a better quality of life. Many types of the disease can now be treated effectively, and some patients even reach long-term remission. The most difficult part isn’t the treatment, it’s realizing when to seek help. Too often, people brush off early warning signs or delay visiting a doctor, and that can make the disease much tougher to treat. Catching the signs early and seeking medical care quickly can change everything, turning fear and worry into hope and a real shot at recovery.”

Myth 1: All blood cancer patients need a bone marrow transplant.

Fact: Treatment always depends on the type of blood cancer, stage, age, and overall health. Therefore, a bone marrow transplant is not the only option to treat blood cancer. In India today, doctors use targeted therapies (drugs that act on specific molecular abnormalities), immunotherapies (boosting the immune system to attack cancer cells), stem cell transplants (for appropriate cases), and even CAR-T cell therapy in selected centres. Also, many regimens rely on combinations or sequential approaches, reducing the reliance on high-dose chemotherapy.

Myth 2: Anaemia leads to blood cancer.

Fact: When a body fails to make enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, due to iron deficiency, nutritional problems, or chronic illness, it is called anaemia. Whereas blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, develop when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. But anaemia can sometimes be a symptom of blood cancer because the normal function of the bone marrow gets disrupted. Therefore, it cannot be the cause of the disease. To distinguish whether it's simple anaemia or something serious, regular check-ups become important.

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Myth 3: Blood cancer occurs due to genetic reasons, and nothing can be done to prevent it.

Fact: Blood cancer is not hereditary or linked to inherited gene mutations but genetics does play a role in it. It mostly develops from acquired genetic changes which occur due to factors like aging, lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, or random cellular errors, rather than being directly passed down. Therefore, family history may slightly increase the risk, but it does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease.

Myth 4: Blood Cancer cannot be cured.

Fact: Cancer treatment these days not only helps patients to survive but also helps them to achieve a high quality of life (QoL). Targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and refined stem cell transplantation have now entered long-term remission. A cure is possible if some forms of leukaemia and lymphoma are diagnosed early. Rather than seeing diagnosis as inevitably fatal, the family should opt for timely treatment.

Myth 5: Leukemia Only Affects Children

Fact: Acute leukaemias often appear in children, but blood cancer breaks that stereotype, since it also happens in the elderly. Cases of lymphoma in the 20s or 30s are not rare. In fact, childhood leukaemia is one of the more treatable cancers when handled appropriately. The important part is to remain attentive to early symptoms like fatigue, unexplained fevers, easy bruising, or swelling, no matter what the age is. If fatigue, fevers, unexplained bruises, or swelling persist, then don't ignore or dismiss them.

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FAQs on blood cancer:

1. What is blood cancer?

Blood cancer affects the production and function of blood cells in the bone marrow.

2. What are the main types?

The three main types are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

3. What are common symptoms?

Fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, fever, and weight loss.

4. How is blood cancer diagnosed?

Through blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging scans.

5. Can blood cancer be treated?

Yes, treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplants.

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 specific health diagnosis.