September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month, providing us with a perfect opportunity to dispel myths about these often misunderstood blood cancers. Below are some of the most common misconceptions:
1. Myth: Leukemia and Lymphomas Aren’t Cancer
Fact: Both leukemia and lymphoma are types of cancer. While many people think of cancer in terms of solid tumors, leukemia and lymphomas are considered blood cancers. They affect the production and function of blood cells, which are essential for overall health.
- Leukemia starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. The disease typically leads to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells, which interferes with normal blood cell production.
- Lymphoma, on the other hand, affects the lymphatic system, a critical part of the immune system. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Myth: Leukemia Only Affects Children
Fact: While leukemia is often associated with children, especially in discussions about acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it’s important to know that leukemia also affects adults. In fact, certain types of leukemia are more common in adults:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is more prevalent in older adults. AML starts in the bone marrow, but most often it quickly moves into the blood, as well. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles. AML has many other names, including acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
- Chronic leukemias, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), primarily affect adults. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one the most common types of leukemia in adults. It starts in early forms of certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow, then moves into the blood. In CLL, the leukemia cells often build up slowly. Many people don’t have any symptoms for at least a few years. Over time, the cells can build up and spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer caused by a genetic mutation in myeloid cells in the bone marrow, leading to abnormal cell growth that can spread to the blood and other parts of the body, such as the spleen. CML is a fairly slow growing leukemia, but it can change into a fast-growing acute leukemia that’s hard to treat.
Similarly, lymphomas occur in both children and adults. The age of onset and the type of lymphoma can vary significantly.
3. Myth: Patients with Leukemia Just Need a Bone Marrow Transplant to be Cured
Fact: Not all types of leukemia can be cured with a bone marrow transplant, and not all patients are candidates. While a bone marrow transplant (also called a stem cell transplant) is an important treatment option, factors such as the type of leukemia (acute or chronic), the patient’s age, overall health, and the stage of the disease determine whether a transplant is the best option. Additionally, some leukemias respond well to other treatments and may not require a transplant.
Treatments for leukemia are tailored to the individual and may include:
- Watchful Waiting: People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who do not have symptoms may be able to put off having cancer treatment. By delaying treatment, they can avoid the side effects of treatment until they have symptoms.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy leukemia cells. Depending on the type of leukemia, patients may receive a single drug or a combination of two or more drugs. Chemotherapy may be delivered in the form of a pill, via infusion, or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Targeted therapy: This includes drugs that specifically attack cancer cells based on their genetic makeup.
- Biological Therapy: Biological therapy for leukemia enhances the body’s natural defenses, using treatments like monoclonal antibodies to target and destroy leukemia cells or interferon to slow their growth in some cases of chronic myeloid leukemia.
4. Myth: Only Blood Relatives Can Be a Donor for a Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
Fact: While a relative may sometimes be a good match for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, many patients find life-saving matches through unrelated donors. Global bone marrow donor registries, such as the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly known as Be The Match), have millions of potential donors. A match can come from anyone who shares similar genetic markers, even if they aren’t a blood relative. Ethnic diversity also plays a critical role, making it important for people from all backgrounds to register as donors.
Stem cell transplants from unrelated donors save lives every year, offering hope to patients who otherwise might not find a match within their family.
5. Myth: Only Older Adults Get Lymphoma
Fact: While non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is more common in older adults, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is often diagnosed in young adults, typically between ages 15 and 35. Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age, but they differ in how they present and respond to treatment:
- Hodgkin lymphoma tends to have a high cure rate, even in advanced stages, especially in younger patients. It is characterized by the presence of large, abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, which are typically found in lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma tends to spread in a more predictable pattern from one lymph node group to another.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes a wide variety of subtypes, some of which are more aggressive and may require more complex treatment. NHL includes a broader category of lymphomas that do not have Reed-Sternberg cells and can arise from either B cells or T cells (types of white blood cells). NHL can spread more randomly throughout the body, making it challenging to treat.
6. Myth: If Leukemia or Lymphoma Comes Back, There’s Nothing That Can Be Done
Fact: A recurrence doesn’t mean that there are no options left. Many patients who experience a relapse can benefit from second-line therapies, including clinical trials, new treatment protocols, or even a stem cell transplant. Advances in treatment are offering new hope for those facing recurrent blood cancers.
7. Myth: Leukemia and Lymphoma Always Develop Quickly
Fact: While some forms of leukemia and lymphoma, such as acute leukemias, develop rapidly and require immediate treatment, others can progress more slowly. Chronic leukemia, for example, may not require treatment right away and can be monitored for years before symptoms worsen.
8. Myth: A Healthy Lifestyle Prevents Leukemia and Lymphoma
Fact: The exact causes of blood cancer are not completely understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Factors like smoking, exposure to radiation, and certain chemicals have been associated with a higher risk of developing some types of blood cancers. While a healthy lifestyle is important for overall well-being, it may not entirely prevent blood cancers. However, maintaining good health can help improve outcomes during treatment and recovery.
Arizona Oncology offers an integrated team-oriented approach to provide our leukemia and lymphoma patients with the best possible care. If you or a loved one are affected by blood cancer, remember that treatment options are constantly evolving, and support is available.