Blood Cancer Information

In this section you will find disease specific information on the main types of blood cancers and allied blood disorders.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a cancer which starts in blood-forming tissue, usually the bone marrow. It leads to the over-production of abnormal white blood cells, the part of the immune system which defends the body against infection.

Signs and symptoms of leukaemia

Leukaemia can be hard to spot because the signs and symptoms are common to other unrelated illnesses. Knowing what to look out for could help you make the decision to visit your GP sooner for a blood test.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are slow-growing blood cancers that develop when cells in your bone marrow grow out of control and make too many blood cells. There are different types of MPN depending on which type of blood cell is being over-produced.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are diseases of the bone marrow. MDS is characterised by abnormal, immature blood cells that do not work properly. MDS is a type of cancer, but it is sometimes also called ‘bone marrow failure’. Here, we cover what MDS is, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment you might have.

Stem cell transplants

A stem cell transplant is an intensive type of treatment that replaces damaged or destroyed blood-forming cells with healthy ones. Find out who might need one and what it involves.

Active monitoring

If you have a slow-growing or stable blood cancer, you might not need treatment straight away. Instead, your haematology team or GP will monitor you. You’ll have regular check-ups and blood tests, and you’ll also check your symptoms at home. This is called active monitoring or ‘watch and wait’.

A to Z of leukaemia: what the words mean

Being diagnosed with leukaemia can be overwhelming. You might read or hear medical terms that you haven't heard before. Find out what they mean.

Leukaemia Myths

There are many myths about leukaemia. Get yourself clued up with the following guide

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. It develops in your lymphatic system from blood cells called lymphocytes. It is not a type of leukaemia.

Myeloma

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It develops in the bone marrow from blood cells called plasma cells. It is not a type of leukaemia.

Aplastic anaemia

Aplastic anaemia (AA) is a rare condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce all three major types of blood cell. It is not a form of cancer.

What is neutropenia and a healthy diet?

Treatment for all types of cancer acts to ‘kill off’ the harmful tumour cells in the body, and in doing so the treatment can also destroy healthy cells.

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Take a Moment to Catch Up

View our latest news and blog articles

November 3rd

Trustee Spotlight: Dr. Suzy Dilly

For Trustees Week, we’ve been speaking to the people behind Leukaemia Care’s governance and strategy - the trustees who help steer our work supporting everyone affected by leukaemia. This week, we caught up with Dr. Suzy Dilly, one of our newer trustees, to learn more about her background, motivations, and experience so far....

October 21st

Vote for Leukaemia Care in the My Favourite Voucher Codes Charity Poll this October

This October, Leukaemia Care is proud to be one of the four nominated charities taking part in the My Favourite Voucher Codes monthly charity poll — and we need your help to win!...

September 8th

Blinatumomab approved for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients

Leukaemia Care welcomes the SMC and NICE's approval of blinatumomab for wider availability to all those living with ALL, bringing hope for relapse prevention and an improved quality of life....