Blood Cancer

Understanding Blood Cancer

Blood cancers including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, polycythemia vera, and some other myeloproliferative neoplasms, are a looming threat too many men overlook. Men have a higher incidence rate of blood cancers compared to women. Approximately every three minutes, one person in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer, with men disproportionately affected. This alarming statistic calls for increased awareness and proactive health measures. By understanding the risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and taking preventive steps, men can significantly reduce their risk and improve their prognosis.

Understanding Blood Cancers

Men must prioritize their health, especially when it comes to conditions as serious as blood cancers. Early detection and lifestyle modifications can make a profound difference. Reach out to healthcare providers, stay vigilant, and take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and remember—early detection can save lives.

Blood cancers including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, polycythemia vera, and some other myeloproliferative neoplasms are more common in men. Many of these cancers have symptoms that mimic flu symptoms but don’t go away or come back frequently. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’ve had any symptom like fever, chills, fatigue, or lymph node pain for longer than two weeks. These cancers are diagnosed through a series of blood tests that start with a complete blood count and metabolic panel.
Lymphoma affects the lymphocytes in the immune system. There are several types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The former is sometimes harder to treat because it’s more difficult to catch early.
Leukemia affects the blood and bone marrow. Leukemia occurs when there is an abnormal growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells. The are several types of leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). AML is a fast-growing leukemia. It attacks myeloid cells which are responsible for producing red blood cells. CLL is a slow growing leukemia that progresses gradually over time, and it is characterized by the proliferation of mature but abnormal lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow.

Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cells in the bone marrow. They help fight infections but in multiple myeloma, the cells become abnormal and multiple uncontrollably, replacing health bone marrow cells.
Polycythemia Vera is caused by a mutation in your bone marrow that causes abnormal or immature red blood cells to multiply uncontrollably and increases your red blood cell count as your hematocrit and hemoglobin. People can live a long time with PV but are at increased risk for stroke and heart attack.

Each one of these blood cancers can happen at any age. However, most cases happen in men over the age of 50. There are a fair number of treatments available like immunotherapy with a robust pipeline of new drugs to pinpoint treatment without harming healthy cells.

Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of blood cancers in men:

Age

In general, the risk of blood cancer increases with age, particularly for those over 60. However, Hodgkin lymphoma (15-40) and acute myeloid leukemia or AML (20-49) are most common in young men

Family History

A family history of blood cancers significantly raises the risk

Exposure to Chemicals

Men working in industries involving chemicals like benzene are at a higher risk

Radiation Exposure

Previous radiation therapy for other cancers can increase the likelihood of developing blood cancers

Smoking

Tobacco use has been linked to a variety of cancers, including those of the blood

Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of blood cancer is crucial for early intervention:

Leukemia: Fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising, and excessive sweating, especially at night.
Lymphoma: Swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing, fever, and night sweats.
Myeloproliferative Disorders (e.g., Polycythemia): Headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, itching (especially after a hot shower), and a reddish complexion.

Diagnosis and Staging

Early detection of blood cancers can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Routine health check-ups and being vigilant about unusual symptoms are vital:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC measures the levels of different blood cells and can indicate abnormalities which include white and red blood cells and hematocrit and hemoglobin.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a sample of bone marrow to check for cancerous cells.
Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans help visualize the presence of tumors or affected lymph nodes.
Genetic Testing: Identifying specific genetic mutations can aid in diagnosing and strategizing treatment plans.

Treatment Options

Treatments in the field of hematological cancers are growing all the time. The number of treatments available today is significantly improved and expanded compared to only five years ago. The treatment of blood cancer varies based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Some common treatment modalities include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and works by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cancerous blood cells. The drugs used in chemotherapy for blood cancers attack not only cancer cells but also some healthy cells, which can lead to side effects. Chemotherapy can be used as the main treatment or as part of a combination therapy to improve effectiveness, often in conjunction with other treatments like radiation, stem cell transplants, or immunotherapy. The specific drugs used depend on the type of blood cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the cancer’s stage.

Radiation Therapy

In blood cancers, radiation is most commonly used for lymphoma, either to shrink tumors before chemotherapy or to treat areas where the cancer has spread. It may also be used in certain cases of leukemia, particularly to target cancerous cells that have spread to the brain or other specific areas. The radiation is typically delivered externally using a machine that directs the rays precisely to the affected area, though internal radiation (brachytherapy) may be used in some cases. Radiation therapy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or other treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan

Stem Cell Transplant

There are two types of stem cell transplants: autologous and allogeneic. In autologous stem cell therapy, the patient’s own stem cells are harvested before undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiation, and then reintroduced into the body to regenerate healthy blood cells. This approach is often used for cancers like multiple myeloma and certain types of lymphoma. In allogeneic stem cell therapy, stem cells from a healthy donor are transplanted into the patient after they have undergone chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate cancer cells. The donor’s stem cells help rebuild the patient’s immune system and blood cell production. Although stem cell therapy can be curative and offer long-term remission, it carries risks such as graft-versus-host disease (in allogeneic transplants), where the donor’s cells attack the recipient’s healthy tissues, or infections due to a weakened immune system. Despite these risks, stem cell therapy remains a critical treatment for advanced blood cancers, offering the potential for recovery and improved survival rates.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a treatment option for blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, that specifically targets the molecular changes or mutations within cancer cells, aiming to block their growth and spread. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy focuses on proteins, genes, or other molecules that are involved in the cancer’s development. For example, in leukemia, targeted therapies may inhibit specific enzymes or proteins that drive the cancer’s progression, while in lymphoma, drugs might target the abnormal growth of immune cells.

Immunotherapy

Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy works by stimulating or enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. There are various types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors, like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells, allowing the immune system to work more effectively. Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made molecules that can target specific cancer cells or boost the immune system’s response to cancer.

How Men Can Minimize Their Risk

While some risk factors are beyond control, men can take proactive steps to minimize their risk of blood cancer:

Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health and boosts the immune system.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and strengthens immunity.
Avoiding Tobacco: Cutting out smoking and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke reduces cancer risk.
Limiting Chemical Exposure: Use protective gear and follow safety protocols if working with hazardous chemicals.
Stay Informed: Regularly discuss any health concerns with your healthcare provider and schedule routine screenings.

Where to Get Support

Dealing with blood cancer can be an overwhelming journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Support networks and resources are crucial:

Healthcare Teams: Your primary care physician, oncologist, and nurses are your first lines of support.
Support Groups: Join support groups, either locally or online, to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Counseling Services: Professional counseling can help manage the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
Men’s Health Network: Consider subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates, support resources, and expert advice on managing and preventing blood-related health issues.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and remember—early detection can save lives.