September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood cancer is a disease which largely goes unnoticed by many. Until someone or someone we know develops this form of cancer, few ever know about it. Yet, in the United States, approximately 1.3 million people have a blood cancer.

In fact, the 3^rd leading cause of death from cancer are blood cancers. Every 3 minutes, a new diagnosis is made. Since the founding of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in 1949, survival rates have increased remarkably.

To raise awareness, September has been named Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma

Blood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Of these, the best-known is leukemia. Some types of lymphoma may be cured, but in most cases, the goal of treatment is to better control the disease and improve the quality of life for the patient.

Continual research starting in the late 20^th century has led to numerous advances in treating blood cancers. One of these is chemotherapy. Today, blood cancers have been divided into numerous subtypes which help physicians design and develop better treatment programs.

Leukemia

Leukemia affects the blood marrow, making treatments difficult and painful; it is a cancer of the tissues which form blood. There are numerous types of leukemia. Some types are more prevalent in adults; others in children.

Lymphoma

These cancers start in the lymphatic system, which means they affect the immune system directly. Lymphatic cancer may begin in lymph nodes or any other part of the system. It is the most treatable of the blood cancers, with strong survival rates when caught in early stages.

Myeloma

Myeloma is a cancer which affects blood plasma. These are the white blood cells that help our bodies fight infections. This blood cancer prevents the production of antibodies. It also weakens the immune system and allows infections. Like leukemia, these cells are formed in the bone marrow, but they enter the blood stream and collect in other bones. This is why the disease is often called multiple myeloma.

What is Your Risk of Blood Cancer?

The risks associated with each form of blood cancer generally differ, but there are some which are common to all. Risk factors include:

• Increased age
• Chemical exposure
• Radiation exposure
• Family history
• Deficient immune system
• Auto-immune disease
• Obesity
• Gender – Males are at increased risk
• Age – Persons over 50 are at greater risk

Kymera Treats Blood Cancers

The treatment of blood cancer is performed by a Hematologist-Oncologist. Kymera was founded on the treatment of these diseases by Dr. Masoud Khorsand. Dr. Khorsand is a board-certified Hematologist-Oncologist who leads a large team of dedicated blood and other cancer specialists.

Starting with Blood Cancers, the mission of Kymera has been from the start, “to provide accessible, innovative, superior quality health care to the residents of Roswell, Carlsbad, Hobbs, NM.”  More lives are saved when more know about blood cancers. For good reason then, Kymera does all possible help raise awareness of these terrible diseases. We would like to ask that you help by sharing this article with others. Together, we can beat blood cancer.