Blood Cancer awareness
Blood cancer has become a major health concern in the country in the present scenario. Every year more than 1 lakh Indians are diagnosed with blood cancer irrespective of age and sex.
After the USA and China, India is the third largest country with reported cases of Blood cancer.
The blood cancer is boomed and enlarged to such an extent that it makes individuals scary. They lose hope and faith. Let us just try to understand the medical condition related to blood cancer.
What is blood cancer?
The cancer that affects the blood cells is commonly known as blood cancer. Blood is produced in the bone marrow. Here, abnormal blood cells start growing out of control, disturbing the function of normal blood cells. Normal blood cells fight infection and help us remain fit. But the abnormal blood cells interfere with function.
What are the types of blood cancer?
There are three major types of blood cancer
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
Leukaemia originates in the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when the body generates many abnormal white blood cells. This affects the bone marrow’s ability to make red blood cells and platelets.
Lymphocytes is a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. Lymphoma is a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.
Plasma cell is another type of white blood cell and is found in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that begins in the blood’s plasma cells.
What causes blood cancer?
At times, there are certain mutations that take place in our blood. There is no specific reason for this. It can happen because of multiple reasons which are beyond our control but to name a few probable reasons:
- Smoking
- Exposure to radiation
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Aging
- Weak immune system
- Family history
- Prolonged health conditions and treatment
Early signs and symptoms of blood cancer
- Sudden Weight loss
- Sudden unexplained Bruising or bleeding
- Lumps and swelling of nodes near the neck
- Breathlessness and tiredness
- Sweating at night
- Recurring severe infections
- Fever
- Pain the stomach and abdomen area
- Unusual paleness
- Rashes on the skin
How can I reduce the risk of blood cancer?
Prevention is better than cure but, in this case, not much can be done. As we are unaware of the exact cause, we can adapt a general line of lifestyle to avoid any form of cancer
- Avoid exposure to radiation and chemicals
- Avoid smoking or consumption of tobacco
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Lifestyle modifications to avoid a sedentary way of life
An extremely effective way to fight blood cancer is early diagnosis. Don’t unsee and neglect any symptoms. Unexplained and sudden signs call for urgent medical assistance.
Based on the stages of the disease, doctors prepare a treatment plan which includes Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy, Radiation therapy, Immunotherapy and Clinical trials. At times, doctors also suggest bone marrow transplant as a last resort. The enormous research in the medical field has resulted in successfully treating patients who can live a normal life thereafter.
Initial stages of treatment include regular tests and a calm mind to fight back. Here, home health care agencies like Neogencare lend a helping hand. The medical assistance team arranges for timely tests. They also provide therapists who visit home for meditation mental exercises. These specialist clinicians help the patients physically and psychologically.
Blood cancer patients are gradually increasing in India but the survival rate is more than 75%. Blood cancer is just another disease which can be treated. Many are strongly fighting this disease with the help of advancing science and amplifying hope. As they say’ ‘You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.’