Blood Cancers: Leukemia - What You Need to Know:
By Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer
Most of us have heard of lymphoma and leukemia but may not realize that they are diseases of the blood. We might think of cancer as a tumor or growth, but cancer is an abnormal growth of cells anywhere in the body including blood cells. Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. As we know, our circulatory and immune systems are extremely complicated so for the sake of space, we will focus on leukemia in this short article. The symptoms are similar and any notable change in your health should be assessed by your provider. Chances are you know someone who will be affected by these diseases and screening is knowledge and knowledge is power.
Leukemia is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow as a result of abnormal white blood cell production. These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells and lead to a weakened immune system. Blood and lymph fluid are part of our immune system, any cancer here can affect our ability to fight illness or infection. There are many types of leukemia, and even though leukemias can be very treatable, early screening and early treatment are the best tools we have.
Cancer can be spread by circulating blood that creates a freeway for cancer cells to travel (metastasize) to other parts of the body. For example, you might hear that breast cancer has “spread” to the brain; this means it has traveled through the lymph system and settled in the brain. Catching cancer before it can grow and “metastasize” or spread is the goal of early screening.
Symptoms to look for and report to your provider include:
Did you know?
Benzene is a chemical used to manufacture plastics, resins, nylon, polyester, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. There is a remarkably high chance that you have been exposed to benzine in one or more of these products so watching for symptoms and getting screened is important! Sadly, our environment is full of toxins and cancer causing chemicals. Thankfully, we are getting more access to less toxic and more natural products every day and with a little effort we can stay clear of these toxins. Knowledge is the key! In fact, https://www.ewg.org/ is a wonderful resource for learning what products to avoid like the “dirty dozen.”
This makes me think of the wonderful natural and locally made soaps, shampoos, foods and natural products that we see at our local farmers’ markets. Look around your home: Are there any products that you could swap out for more natural benzine-free options? Perhaps change to natural laundry detergent or switch to a shampoo bar and ditch the plastic bottles. Could you replace plastic storage containers for glass? I know we love reusing containers but many of these are coated with chemicals we should avoid. Maybe a fall clean out is in order.
Diagnostic tests include blood tests, imaging, and biopsy. If you are diagnosed with a type of leukemia your provider will help you understand your diagnosis and what treatment options are best for you. Resources such as The Cancer Resource of Western Maine are a wonderful place to gain knowledge, community and education as well as practical items you might need during your cancer journey. Removing cancer causing toxins from your life as well as early screening can help protect you and your family from blood cancers.
By Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer
Most of us have heard of lymphoma and leukemia but may not realize that they are diseases of the blood. We might think of cancer as a tumor or growth, but cancer is an abnormal growth of cells anywhere in the body including blood cells. Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. As we know, our circulatory and immune systems are extremely complicated so for the sake of space, we will focus on leukemia in this short article. The symptoms are similar and any notable change in your health should be assessed by your provider. Chances are you know someone who will be affected by these diseases and screening is knowledge and knowledge is power.
Leukemia is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow as a result of abnormal white blood cell production. These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells and lead to a weakened immune system. Blood and lymph fluid are part of our immune system, any cancer here can affect our ability to fight illness or infection. There are many types of leukemia, and even though leukemias can be very treatable, early screening and early treatment are the best tools we have.
Cancer can be spread by circulating blood that creates a freeway for cancer cells to travel (metastasize) to other parts of the body. For example, you might hear that breast cancer has “spread” to the brain; this means it has traveled through the lymph system and settled in the brain. Catching cancer before it can grow and “metastasize” or spread is the goal of early screening.
Symptoms to look for and report to your provider include:
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Bruising easily
- Frequent infections
- Bone pain
- Weight loss
- Large lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Fever
Did you know?
Benzene is a chemical used to manufacture plastics, resins, nylon, polyester, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. There is a remarkably high chance that you have been exposed to benzine in one or more of these products so watching for symptoms and getting screened is important! Sadly, our environment is full of toxins and cancer causing chemicals. Thankfully, we are getting more access to less toxic and more natural products every day and with a little effort we can stay clear of these toxins. Knowledge is the key! In fact, https://www.ewg.org/ is a wonderful resource for learning what products to avoid like the “dirty dozen.”
This makes me think of the wonderful natural and locally made soaps, shampoos, foods and natural products that we see at our local farmers’ markets. Look around your home: Are there any products that you could swap out for more natural benzine-free options? Perhaps change to natural laundry detergent or switch to a shampoo bar and ditch the plastic bottles. Could you replace plastic storage containers for glass? I know we love reusing containers but many of these are coated with chemicals we should avoid. Maybe a fall clean out is in order.
Diagnostic tests include blood tests, imaging, and biopsy. If you are diagnosed with a type of leukemia your provider will help you understand your diagnosis and what treatment options are best for you. Resources such as The Cancer Resource of Western Maine are a wonderful place to gain knowledge, community and education as well as practical items you might need during your cancer journey. Removing cancer causing toxins from your life as well as early screening can help protect you and your family from blood cancers.