•Blood cancer isn't just one disease—it's an umbrella term that covers several types. Leukemia, often thought of as a childhood cancer, can affect people of all ages.
•Lymphoma, which invades the lymphatic system, has seen similar improvements in survival rates, but too many people still die from this disease each year.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
Every September, we mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month—a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most misunderstood and under-recognized forms of cancer.
Despite its grave impact on thousands of lives, the conversation around blood cancer remains muted compared to other malignancies.
This needs to change. We cannot afford to overlook a disease that attacks the very foundation of our body's lifeblood—our bone marrow.
As a hematologist, I see firsthand the devastating effects of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
These are not rare conditions; they’re common enough that everyone should be aware of their risks and symptoms.
Yet, too many people remain uninformed until it's too late. Blood cancer is insidious—it doesn't present with the obvious lump or mole.
Instead, it hides behind vague symptoms: fatigue, night sweats, or bruising. By the time patients seek medical attention, the cancer may have already advanced, making treatment more challenging.
The Growing Threat of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer isn't just one disease—it's an umbrella term that covers several types. Leukemia, often thought of as a childhood cancer, can affect people of all ages.
The progress we've made in leukemia treatment over the past 40 years is remarkable, with survival rates climbing. However, the battle is far from won.
Lymphoma, which invades the lymphatic system, has seen similar improvements in survival rates, but too many people still die from this disease each year.
Then there's myeloma, which impacts the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma, the most common type, remains a long-term challenge for patients, despite advances in treatment.
Each of these cancers comes with its own set of subtypes, making diagnosis and treatment a complex and highly specialized task.
Yet, what unites them all is the fundamental fact that early detection can make all the difference.
This is where awareness comes in. Without it, we cannot catch these cancers early enough to save lives.
Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever
The symptoms of blood cancer are easy to dismiss. Unexplained weight loss? Must be stress. Night sweats? Perhaps the weather. Fatigue? We all feel tired sometimes.
But these could be signs of a deadly disease progressing silently. How many lives could be saved if people recognized these warning signs early and sought help sooner? It’s time for a cultural shift—one where we take such symptoms seriously, get routine checkups, and demand better information from our healthcare systems.
The risks of blood cancer aren't entirely avoidable. Genetics, age, and even ethnicity play a role.
But there are environmental factors too—radiation exposure, certain chemicals, and prior cancer treatments can increase the risk.
Knowing this can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and mitigate some risks.
Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Lifeline
For those diagnosed with blood cancer, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) offers hope.
This complex but life-saving procedure is one of the most effective treatments available, particularly for conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
But here's the problem: many patients don't know about it, or they think it’s too risky. While BMT isn’t a cure-all, it has given countless patients a second chance at life.
At The Nairobi West Hospital’s Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, we've seen the remarkable difference BMT can make.
We've treated patients with aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, and immune deficiency disorders in addition to blood cancers, and the results are encouraging.
Yet, there’s a lack of public understanding about how widely applicable BMT is—not just for cancer but for a range of hematologic disorders.
Time for Action
Blood Cancer Awareness Month shouldn’t just be another date on the calendar. It’s a wake-up call.
It’s a reminder that more education, early detection, and access to cutting-edge treatments can save lives.
The fight against blood cancer requires all of us to be informed, vigilant, and proactive. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to take this seriously.
So, as we move through September, let’s talk about blood cancer. Let’s ask our doctors the hard questions.
Let’s share information with friends and family. The silence around this disease has persisted for far too long—it’s time to break it.
The Writer is Hematologist at The Nairobi West Hospital