Each September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on a group of diseases that affect hundreds of thousands of people across the United States.
At a glance
- Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Together, they account for nearly 10% of all new cancer cases in the U.S.
- Early signs often include fatigue, unexplained bruising, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, or bone pain.
- Screening and diagnostic imaging play a vital role in identifying blood cancers early and guiding treatment.
- Advances in treatment—like immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplants—are improving survival rates.
- You can support awareness by donating blood, joining marrow registries, and educating others about symptoms.
- If you notice persistent or unusual symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor for evaluation.
What Is Blood Cancer?
Unlike solid tumors, blood cancers affect the production and function of blood cells in the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Healthy blood cells form and mature in the bone marrow before entering the bloodstream. In blood cancers, this process is disrupted, leading to abnormal growth and impaired immune function.
The three main types of blood cancer are:
- Leukemia – A cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells.
- Lymphoma – Affects the lymphatic system, particularly lymph nodes and lymphocytes.
- Multiple Myeloma – A cancer of plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies.
Early Symptoms and Warning Signs
Blood cancers can sometimes be mistaken for everyday illnesses, which is why awareness is key. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained fever or night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone or joint pain
If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, don’t ignore them—talk to a doctor right away. At Starling Diagnostics, our primary care team can refer patients to appropriate specialists for further testing.
The Role of Screenings and Diagnostics
While blood cancers are usually diagnosed through blood tests, biopsies, and imaging, early medical evaluation is the most important first step.
At Starling Diagnostics, we offer:
- Blood panels to identify abnormalities.
- Radiology and imaging services to detect complications, such as bone involvement in multiple myeloma.
- Primary care assessments to guide patients toward appropriate treatment pathways.
Our radiology services and diagnostic expertise ensure patients receive timely, accurate results.
Treatment Options Today
Treatment depends on the type and stage of blood cancer, but today’s medical advances are giving patients more hope than ever. Options may include:
- Chemotherapy – Still a common treatment for many types of blood cancer.
- Targeted therapy – Focuses on specific cancer cells, sparing healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy – Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplant – Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy donor cells.
Clinical trials are also providing access to new treatments. Patients can talk to their care team about eligibility for ongoing research studies.
How You Can Support Blood Cancer Awareness
Even if you are not personally affected, you can make an impact during Blood Cancer Awareness Month by:
- Donating blood or platelets – Critical for many cancer patients.
- Joining the bone marrow registry through Be The Match.
- Supporting organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
- Sharing educational resources with your family, friends, and community.
- Encouraging loved ones to stay proactive with routine checkups.
Why Awareness Matters
Every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Awareness ensures that:
- More people recognize early symptoms.
- Patients seek care sooner.
- Research receives more funding.
- Survivors and families feel supported.
At Starling Diagnostics, our mission is to keep our Bronx and NYC community informed and cared for—whether through primary care, women’s health services, or advanced radiology.
If you or a loved one are experiencing unusual symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising, or recurrent infections, don’t wait. Early detection can save lives.
Call us at (718) 319-1610
Email us at info@starlingdiagnostics.com
Take charge of your health today—our compassionate team at Starling Diagnostics in the Bronx is here to support you every step of the way.
Resources
For more information about primary care and specialty services, visit our Starling Diagnostics website.
Ready to protect yourself and those you love?
Call (718) 319-1610, email info@starlingdiagnostics.com, or request an appointment today. Our team of board-certified providers will review your history, answer questions, and get you up-to-date—often in a single visit.
Family Doctor in The Bronx, NY
If you are in search of a primary care provider for your entire family in The Bronx area in New York, visit us here at Starling Diagnostics. We have a family nurse practitioner on staff who is equally qualified and capable of helping you and the rest of the members of your family achieve the best possible health outcomes.
To learn more about our primary care services or to schedule an appointment, call our clinic today at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient online request form.
If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, our team at Starling Health is here to help with timely evaluations, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Every patient's situation is unique. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition or before making any medical decisions.
