You read so many news related to cancer everyday but have you understood about blood cancer, why and how it happens. What are its initial symptoms and who is at risk of it.

Early signs of blood cancer: Blood cancer is a serious disease that affects the blood cells of the body . This cancer can also affect the bone marrow and lymph system. Cases of blood cancer are increasing rapidly in India too, and sometimes it is identified very late. Therefore, it is important to identify its early symptoms, so that treatment can be done in time.

Dr Rohit Kapoor, an oncologist at Max Hospital in Delhi, explains that there are three types of blood cells in our body: red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. These cells are formed in the bone marrow present inside our bones. But when wrong or bad cells start forming in the bone marrow due to some reason, they can take the form of cancer. This condition later becomes blood cancer.

1 Feeling tired or weak all the time

There is a decrease of red blood cells in the body, due to which the oxygen supply decreases and the person feels tired even without exertion.

2. Frequent fever or infection

Blood cancer weakens the immune system. Due to this, even a small injury does not heal quickly and immunity power starts decreasing.

3. Bruising

If rashes or blue marks appear on the body even without any injury, then this could be a sign of imbalance of white blood cells and platelets.

4 Frequent bleeding from the nose or gums

In blood cancer, the number of platelets decreases due to which blood does not clot. This causes unnecessary bleeding.

5. Rapid weight loss and decreased appetite

When the body is fighting a disease internally, the appetite goes away and the weight starts decreasing rapidly.

6 Pain in bones and joints

Blood cancer affects the bone marrow inside the bones, which can cause persistent pain in joints and bones.

7 Lump or swelling in the neck, armpit, or abdomen

Swelling or lump-like feeling in the lymph nodes can also be a sign of blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.

Which people are at higher risk of blood cancer?

– Those whose family members have previously had blood cancer (genetic reasons)

– Those exposed to radiation or chemicals, such as factory workers or chemotherapy patients

– Those who have previously had an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or HIV

– Those who have worked with chemicals such as pesticides, paints or benzene for a very long time

– Smokers are also at higher risk as it affects blood cells