The Facts About

Blood Cancers& Research

Blood Cancer FactsBlood cancer can affect blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. People with blood cancer have abnormal production of blood cells, particularly white blood cells.

Types Of Blood CancersThere are 3 main forms of blood cancer;

1. Leukaemia2. Lymphoma3. Myeloma

Leukaemia Facts• Leukaemia is the 10th most common form of cancer• Leukaemia causes 1/3 of all cancer deaths in children under 15• More males than females are diagnosed with leukaemia• As leukaemia affects white blood cells, it can often affect the

immune system. Risks of infections, anemia, bruising, weight loss and fever is considerably higher

• Leukaemia is diagnosed by examining the blood and bone marrow• Most patients with leukaemia are treated with chemotherapy• The prognosis of leukaemia depends on age, type of leukaemia and

how much it has spread before being diagnosed• Radiation, smoking and family history all increase the possibility of

developing leukaemia• There is currently no known way to prevent leukaemia

Lymphoma FactsLymphoma is classed into 2 categories;

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – this spreads through lymph nodes in a specific orderNon-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – this spreads through lymph

nodes in no-specific order

Myeloma FactsMyeloma is rarely diagnosed in those less than 45 years old. Those aged 67 or older are the most at risk of myeloma.

Around 4,700 people were diagnosed with myeloma in 2010 in the UK, that’s around 13 people every day.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and being exposed to chemicals do not appear to increase the risk of developing myeloma.

Charities Fighting Blood Cancers

Cancer Research UK• Formed by the merger of The Imperial Cancer Research Fund

(established in 1902) and The Cancer Research Campaign (established in 1923) in 2002.

• Was a key advocate of bringing about the smoking ban in the UK in 2007. The charity is also pushing for further screening programs for cancer in the UK.

Anthony Nolan• Anthony Nolan was established in 1974 and focusses on

leukaemia and developing new kinds of treatments. • The charity is named for Anthony Nolan, who died in 1979 of

a very rare form of blood cancer. One of their top priorities is recruiting donors. In doing so, they started a campaign called ‘Spit To Save A Life’ in which people were encouraged to give a sample of their saliva.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research

• LLR is the only UK charity that is entirely devoted to funding research into blood cancers. They invest in cancer research throughout the UK and organise many fundraising events.

• Well-known personalities often support the charity fundraising events, such as politician Alastair Campbell, cricketer Ian Botham and footballer Stiliyan Petrov who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012.

Fundraising Ideas

The Anthony Nolan charity for blood cancer worked with Liverpool F.C. in which they encouraged people to give small sample of saliva and join the bone marrow register and donate to help save lives.

StickIt2Cancer organised an event at a local restaurant, at which 20% of the proceeds from each dish sold when to charity’s funding lifesaving research.

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research organised a gala at London’s Battersea Power Station with performances from indie band The Noisettes, rock legend Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings. The event raised over £600,000.

Leukaemia Lymphoma Research organised a corporate fundraising drive for young lawyers, who compete to raise the most funds – so far, over £7000 has been raised!

Pioneered Treatments

• Childhood Leukaemia• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma• New Drugs For Myeloma• Adult Leukaemia• DNA Theraphy For All Blood Cancers• Chronic Leukaemia

In 1960 Leukaemia was incurable

Today 90% of children are cured of Leukaemia

As recently as the 1990s most myeloma patients

died within 2 years of diagnosis.

Thanks to research and new treatments many now live for

5-10 years.

Since 2000 blood cancer has STOPPED being the most common form of cancer death in

young people.

Help to beat blood cancers by sharing the research key charities have carried out.

Donate online to charities helping those to find cures for blood cancers

In time, together we can beat blood cancers