What are blood cancers?

Blood cancers, also called hematologic malignancies, affect the cells of the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. The main types are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system – a part of our immune defense. It occurs when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) multiply abnormally and form tumors in lymph nodes or other organs.

Are cases of lymphoma and blood cancers really increasing?

Yes. Globally and in India, there has been a steady rise in reported cases over the last few decades, partly due to better detection, but also because of genuine changes in lifestyle, environment, and longevity.

Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh

Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.