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Blood cancer is surrounded by myths that create fear and confusion. Experts Dr. Kannan Subramanian and Dr. Farah Ijina bust common misconceptions
Early awareness and prevention can help mitigate cancer risks.
When someone in the family is diagnosed with blood cancer like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, myths often spread faster than facts. Well-meaning advice, half-truths, and outdated beliefs can create fear and confusion for patients and their families. That’s why separating fact from fiction is essential.
Dr Kannan Subramanian, Consultant Hematologist, Sahyadri Speciality Hospital, Pune and Dr Farah Ijina, Clinical Hematologist & Hemato-Oncologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Khar, share key insights to help families navigate this difficult diagnosis with clarity and hope.
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Myth 1: Blood Cancer Means a Death Sentence
Dr Kannan Subramanian says, “One of the scariest myths is that a diagnosis means no hope. Years ago, it may have felt closer to the truth, but today things are very different. With new medicines, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplants, many people go into remission and live for years after treatment. It is hard, yes, but it is not hopeless.”
Dr. Farah Ijina adds, “The treatment landscape has changed drastically. Cure rates for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma are more than 90%, and many patients with chronic blood cancers live for decades with oral medications. CAR-T cell therapy is a breakthrough that’s offering hope in cases once thought untreatable.”
Myth 2: Blood Cancer Happens Only to Older People
Dr. Subramanian believes, “People often think blood cancer affects only the elderly. That’s not true. Kids, young adults, and older people can all get it. Some types are more common in older age, but anyone can be at risk. Symptoms like persistent fatigue, recurring fevers, or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored, no matter the age.”
Dr. Ijina opines, “Exactly. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, for instance, mostly affects children. Blood cancers can occur at any age, so age should never be a reason to dismiss worrying symptoms.”
Myth 3: If One Family Member Has It, Everyone Else Will Too
Dr. Subramanian shares, “Families hear the word ‘genetic’ and panic. But most blood cancers are not inherited. They happen because of unpredictable changes in cells. Just because one family member has it does not mean the rest will. Stay alert, but don’t live in fear.”
Myth 4: Blood Cancer Is Contagious
Dr. Subramanian says, “This is a common and harmful misconception. You cannot ‘catch’ blood cancer. Hugging, sharing meals, or living together is completely safe. Patients need closeness, love, and emotional support, not isolation.”
Dr. Ijina reinforces, “Blood cancers are not infectious diseases. They occur because of genetic mutations in blood cells, not because of contact or exposure.”
Myth 5: Alternative Remedies or Diets Can Cure Blood Cancer
Dr. Subramanian adds, “Healthy food and positivity help with overall strength, but they cannot cure cancer. Ignoring medical treatment to try a so-called natural remedy is dangerous. Use nutrition, rest, and a positive mindset to support treatment not replace it.”
Myth 6: Chemotherapy Is Worse Than the Disease
Dr. Subramanian says, “Many patients fear chemotherapy more than the cancer itself. Yes, side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue happen, but they are temporary and manageable. Chemotherapy is a powerful tool to fight the disease. Avoiding it out of fear is far more dangerous.”
Myth 7: All Blood Disorders Are Blood Cancer
Dr. Ijina explains, “This is another common confusion. Leukemia is one form of blood cancer, but lymphoma and myeloma are others, each with unique characteristics. Thalassemia, on the other hand, is a genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to anemia but it is not cancer. Anemia itself is often just a symptom caused by nutritional deficiencies or chronic conditions, not a disease in itself.”
Spotting the Warning Signs
According to Dr. Ijina, families should watch for red flags such as:
Fatigue lasting for weeks
Frequent infections
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Swollen lymph nodes
Unexplained weight loss
“If blood cancers are detected early with routine blood tests,” she emphasizes, “many can be caught at treatable stages. Ignoring symptoms out of fear often delays diagnosis until it’s advanced.”
The Bottom Line
Blood cancer is challenging, but myths make it even harder. Families who focus on facts, rather than fear can support their loved ones better.
As Dr. Subramanian puts it, “Medicines fight the illness, but care, patience, and love fight fear. That is what really helps.”
And as Dr. Ijina concludes, “Awareness and early action empower families to make informed decisions and give patients the best chance at recovery.”
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 18, 2025, 09:58 IST
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