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Blood Cancer

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

What is AML?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It affects the myeloid cells, which normally develop into healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.

Who is at Risk?

AML mainly affects older adults over 60+ years, but it can occur at any age, including in children. It is rare but more aggressive than other types of leukemia.

Types of AML

There are several AML subtypes, based on the specific blood cells affected:

  • Myeloid leukemia (most common): Affects neutrophil-producing cells.
  • Monocytic leukemia (AML-M5): Affects monocyte-producing cells.
  • Acute promyelocytic leukemia: a cancer in promyelocytes (immature white blood cells) that keeps these cells from developing.

Signs and Symptoms

AML symptoms may appear suddenly and worsen quickly. Common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent infections or fevers
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding (e.g., gums, nose)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Loss of appetite or weight

    • If you experience these symptoms persistently, consult a doctor promptly.

Risk factors

While the exact cause is often unknown, risk factors include:

  • Age (60+ years)
  • Smoking
  • Previous chemotherapy or radiation
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals (like benzene)
  • Certain genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome)
  • Pre-existing bone marrow diseases

    • Not everyone with risk factors will develop uterine cancer, and some without known risk factors may still be affected.

Preventing AML

Several factors can increase the risk of uterine cancer, particularly endometrial cancer:

  • AML can’t be fully prevented, but avoiding certain risk factors like smoking and harmful chemical exposure may help lower the risk.
  • Limit exposure to carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde at work, and avoid smoking or second-hand smoke to reduce overall health risks.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

What is CML?

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells. It is a slow-progressing blood and bone marrow disease that typically develops during or after middle age and is rare in children.

Most individuals with CML have a genetic mutation known as the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome.

Who is at Risk?

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) most commonly occurs in adults, typically between the ages of 50 and 60. It is rare in children and young adults. While the exact cause is often unknown, risk may increase with exposure to high levels of radiation or a history of genetic abnormalities such as the Philadelphia chromosome.

Signs and Symptoms of CML

CML often progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease advances, symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Night sweats
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Fever
  • Discomfort or a sense of fullness under the ribs
  • Easy bruising or bleeding

Who Is at Risk for CML?

CML primarily affects adults, with most cases diagnosed in individuals over the age of 60. Risk factors include:

  • Exposure to high levels of radiation
  • Male gender (CML occurs slightly more often in men)

Complications of CML

People living with CML may experience

  • Anemia – a condition marked by a shortage of red blood cells.
  • Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) – often leading to discomfort or fullness in the abdomen.

Can CML Be Prevented?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent CML. While it is understood that the disease is linked to a specific genetic mutation, the underlying cause of this mutation remains unknown

Multiple Myeloma

Blood cancer begins when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably, affecting the production and function of blood. Blood is produced in the bone marrow, where stem cells mature into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In most cases, blood cancer disrupts this process, leading to the rapid growth of abnormal cells. These cancerous cells interfere with the blood's ability to perform essential functions, such as fighting infections and preventing serious bleeding.

There are three types of blood cancer:

  • Leukemia (blood cancer)
  • Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system - part of the body's germ-fighting and disease-fighting immune system.)
  • Myeloma (cancer that starts in the bone marrow and affects plasma cells – white blood cells that produce disease and infection-fighting antibodies in your body)

Symptoms of Blood Cancer:

In its early stages, blood cancer symptoms may vary depending on the type. However, some symptoms are common across all types. These include fatigue, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unusual bleeding or bruising, unexpected weight loss, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged liver or spleen, and bone pain.

Risk factors of blood cancer:

While the exact causes of the DNA changes that lead to blood cancer are often unknown, research has identified several factors that can increase the likelihood of developing certain types of blood cancer.

These risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Ethnicity
  • A family history of blood cancer can elevate the risk.
  • Exposure to high levels of radiation or harmful chemicals.
  • Health conditions and treatments may also contribute to risk.
  • Lowered immunity due to infections.
  • These risk factors can vary depending on the type of blood cancer.
  • After identifying the risk factors, treatment options comprise chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and CAR T-cell therapy.

Preventive measures of blood cancer

Blood cancer and its treatment can impact your health, but you can take steps to support yourself. Eat healthy foods to maintain strength, and consult a nutritionist if needed. Rest to manage fatigue, a common side effect. Protect against infections by discussing prevention with your healthcare provider. Exercise can help, but consult your provider before starting or changing your routine.

Emotional health is vital—seek help if sadness lasts over two weeks or interferes with daily life. If in remission, address concerns about recurrence with your provider. For those managing blood cancer long-term, a therapist or support group can offer valuable guidance and support.

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