Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness

September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. An estimated 1,629,474 people in the United States (US) are living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Learn more about blood cancers below, including knowing your risk factors, resources for patients, prevention tips and how you can get Involved.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It causes the production of abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections. There are several types of leukemia, categorized by the speed of progression (acute or chronic) and the type of blood cell affected (lymphocytic or myeloid). The four main types are:
Symptoms of Leukemia can include fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing the disease.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma begins in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and can spread to other parts of the body. There are two main types of lymphoma:
Symptoms of Lymphoma include painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Like leukemia, early detection improves treatment outcomes.
While some risk factors for leukemia and lymphoma, such as genetics, cannot be controlled, there are steps you can take to reduce your overall cancer risk:
There are many ways to support the fight against leukemia and lymphoma:
By educating yourself, supporting others, and getting involved, you can make a significant impact in the fight against leukemia and lymphoma.