A Guide to Blood Cancers and Disorders

A guide to blood cancers and disorders What is it? How is it treated? Facts Leukaemia The treatment options depend on the type and stage of the leukaemia, as well as your general health. It's usually treated with chemotherapy, which destroys the unhealthy cells. This is sometimes combined with radiotherapy and, in some cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Leukaemia is the most common type of blood cancer. It begins in the bone marrow, producing abnormal white blood cells - called leukaemia cells. These cells don't do the job of normal cells, they grow faster and don't stop growing when they should. And they stop your bone marrow making other vital blood cells. There are four main In 2011, 8,616 new cases of leukaemia types of leukaemia: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and chronic myeloid leukaemia. were diagnosed in the UK. Aplastic Anaemia (AA) There are two main options for AA; supportive therapy and definitive therapy. Supportive therapy aims to treat the symptoms and includes regular blood transfusions, and antibiotics and antifungals to prevent infections. Definitive treatment In healthy bone marrow red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are continuously being made. Aplastic Anaemia is a rare and severe form of aims to cure the illness and includes bone marrow failure where bone treatment to suppress the immune system, and a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. marrow stem cells are replaced by fat cells, so not enough blood cells are made. The causes aren't fully understood, and it can occur There are only 150 new diagnoses of AA each year in the UK. at any age. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) You may not need treatment for MDS straightaway, but as with AA, supportive therapy with regular blood transfusions and medication can help. Some people with more severe MDS can have chemotherapy and a small number of people may need to have a stem cell transplant. Myelodysplastic Syndromes are a group of bone marrow disorders. As with AA, not enough normal blood cells are made. And abnormal cells can be made that multiply far more quickly than they should. MDS is rare, and can sometimes lead to leukaemia. There are approximately 2000 new diagnoses of MDS each year. It's slightly more common in men and most people affected are over 60 years old. Lymphoma Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system which protects you against infection and disease. With lymphoma the body produces too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These lymphocytes live longer than they should and compromise the immune system. Treatment options depend on a range of things including the type and stage of lymphoma and the general health of the patient. It can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Each year, around 12,000 people are diagnosed with NHL in the UK, and 1 in 6 people diagnosed with it are over 65. Hodgkin Lymphoma is less common, and makes up less than 1% of all cancers in the UK - around 1,800 people a year are diagnosed with it. Lymphoma can develop in many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow and organs. There are two main types of lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin (NHL) and Hodgkin Lymphoma. Myeloma Treatment of myeloma is aimed at controlling the disease and relieving symptoms. Most treatment uses a combination of drugs including, chemotherapy, medications to protect the bones from becoming weak and to stimulate white blood cells to grow, antibiotics and pain relief. A stem cell or bone marrow transplant is also sometimes an option. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and produce antibodies th fight infection. In myeloma, too many plasma cells are made. This build up of cells means other blood cells In the UK, just under 4,800 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year. The risk of myeloma increases as you get older - about 40% of cases are in people don't have space to develop and the bone marrow becomes permanently damaged. aged over 75. anthonynolan.org has lots of information about the treatment and support available. Sources saving the lives of people with blood cancer www.webmd.com ANTHON Y www.cancerresearchuk.org NOLAN www.myeloma.org.uk www.nhs.uk www.anthonynolan.org www.who.int