Blood Cancer: Types & Prevention

Blood cancer is among the most familiar cancers and has three main types. It varies depending on their origin and the area of the body which they affect, regardless, they all lie in the same category. It all starts in the bone marrow where the blood is generated & thus impacts the creation and function of the blood cells. 

In most blood cancers, the development process of normal blood cells is disrupted by the uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. While there is little that can be done as a preventive measure to resist blood cancer but avoiding known risk factors may help.

Let’s understand what are the types of blood cancer & various ways which can be adopted to lessen the chance of getting affected by taking some precautionary measures.

Types of Blood Cancer 

Leukaemia 

In this type, the multiplication of cancerous cells affects either the bone marrow or the blood & decreases the rate of production of blood cells, resulting in an increased number of abnormal white blood cells that are not fully developed. 

Lymphoma 

Lymphoma is the type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes, sort of white blood cells. It is a group of blood cell tumors that is produced from lymphatic cells.

Myeloma 

Myeloma is the type of blood cancer where the plasma, which a blood component, is impacted by the cancerous cells.

Blood Cancer Prevention 

Many researches have been conducted, still, the results are unsuccessful to find ways to prevent most types of blood cancer. While no specific risk factors have been observed for this cancer, it is advised that we should stay away from the known ones. Furthermore, following these few simple things will improve your immunity and can lessen the risk to some degree.

AVOID

Exposure to Radiations

In certain treatments, patients are exposed to high-intensity radiation which increases their chance of having blood cancer. Therefore, try to avoid too much exposure to radiation in your treatments. 

Exposure to Chemicals

Try avoiding getting in contact with toxic chemicals such as pesticides, because it can inflate the risk of blood cancer. Follow proper safety measures if your work exposes you to such chemicals. 

Smoking or Tobacco

The consumption of cigarettes & tobacco is an enormous risk factor not only for diseases like cancer but also for several other diseases and must be prevented.

FOLLOW

By following & maintaining a few healthy habits listed below, you can decrease your risk of being affected by any type of cancer.

Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly is vital for maintaining a healthy body. Make it a routine to exercise daily for thirty minutes or an hour. By doing this you are less likely to be affected by blood cancer, but still, there is no proper information to support it.  

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy helps you combat diseases. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet will boost your immunity power. The fibers & nutrients in these decrease the chances of blood cancer to some level.

Don't Ignore the Symptoms

Pay attention to your body and the indications it sends you day to day, especially when you are facing symptoms related to blood cancer. For example, if you feel pain in the bones or joints, dizziness, tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, bleeding, regular infections, red spots on the skin, shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes, weakness at regular intervals then it can be blood cancer symptoms. Always seek medical attention when you see any of these signs. 

Regular Health Checkups 

Health checkups are important at regular intervals. It will also help in detecting blood cancer in the initial phases. Therefore, it is advised to have your routine check-ups followed by blood cancer treatment (if required) from time to time & well-known health care service providers