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Detecting blood cancer early can improve treatment outcomes. It is of paramount importance in understanding the potential of blood stem cell transplant.
Every year, over 70,000 people in India die from blood cancer, which makes up 8% of all new cancer cases
Blood cancer, commonly referred to as Hematological cancer, impacts the production and function of blood cells. It typically originates in the bone marrow, the site of blood cell production, and interferes with their normal growth and function. The main types are leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, each with different symptoms and ways they progress. Detecting blood cancer early can improve treatment outcomes. It is of paramount importance in understanding the potential of blood stem cell transplant.
Dr Nitin Agarwal, MD Transfusion Medicine, HOD-Donor Request Management, DKMS Foundation, India shares 5 signs of blood cancer you should never ignore:
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1. Unexplained Fatigue
If you feel tired for more than a week, it could be more than just burnout or everyday exhaustion. Some blood cancers, like leukaemia and multiple myeloma, can make it hard for your body to produce healthy red blood cells, leading to anaemia. This can cause ongoing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Unlike regular tiredness, this type does not get better with rest.
2. Frequent Infections or Fevers
The immune system gets compromised by blood cancer. It happens by crowding our normal white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. Some of the recurring symptoms reported by patients include recurring colds, fevers, or diseases that are more intense and prolonged, requiring a longer recovery time. For example, a minor sore throat might turn into a lingering illness. Such immune dysfunction is widespread in leukaemia and lymphoma.
3. Unusual Bleeding or Bruising
Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising without apparent injury could signal an underlying blood disorder. In particular, leukemia disrupts platelet production, which is necessary for blood to clot. Others may also see small red spots on the skin (petechiae), the result of bleeding beneath the skin.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss and Night Sweats
Losing weight quickly without trying, particularly if it’s attributed to something like night sweats, is a classic warning sign. Lymphoma, especially, can cause these “B symptoms” such as fever,  weight loss, night sweats, as they are indicative of the immune system’s attempts to battle the cancer. These symptoms can frequently be attributed to stress or hormones, so if they continue, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes or Bone Pain
If you notice a lump in your neck, armpit, or groin that stays for several weeks, it could be a sign of lymphoma. These swollen lymph nodes are usually not painful, so they might be easy to miss. Bone pain, especially in the ribs or spine, is another common symptom of multiple myeloma because the disease can weaken your bones.
The Life-Saving Role of Blood Stem Cell Transplants
Stem cell donation is frequently the sole curative option for many blood cancer patients. Patients without a compatible donor may have limited treatment options, which might result in poor outcomes. A matched donor’s healthy blood stem cells help rebuild the patient’s immune system and restore normal blood production, significantly improving the patient’s survival chances.
What Is a Blood Stem Cell Transplant?
Blood cancers and other blood disorders are treated with blood stem cell transplants, in which unhealthy blood-forming cells are replaced with healthy ones. Such transplants are necessary when a patient’s stem cells have been wiped out or damaged by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and the body is unable to produce new blood cells.
Why Is It Critical?
Blood stem cells play a crucial role in treating blood cancer and other haematological disorders by regenerating healthy blood cells. A blood stem cell transplant involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, allowing the body to regenerate normal blood cells. This treatment is particularly effective for conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
The Urgent Need for Donors
Every year, over 70,000 people in India die from blood cancer, which makes up 8% of all new cancer cases. A blood stem cell transplant from an HLA-matched donor is often the most effective treatment. However, only 30% of patients find a match within their family. The remaining 70% depend on unrelated donors, but with just 0.09% of Indians registered, the chances of finding a match remain alarmingly low due to lack of awareness.
India’s blood stem cell donor pool remains critically low, severely impacting the survival chances of patients with life-threatening conditions like leukemia and aplastic anemia. With a limited registry, finding a suitable match is rare and often leaves patients waiting for months or even years. Many rely on family donors who may not be compatible, while treatment abroad is financially out of reach for most. This raises the need for urgent awareness so that the participation grows. India has the potential to ensure that more patients no longer wait indefinitely for a second chance at life.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 11, 2025, 17:34 IST
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