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.

In employment but don’t want to/can’t continue

This information is designed to help you explore your rights, whatever your decision might be. This article looks at the decision to leave work.

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