Blood cancer or leukemia refers to a condition, in which a number of White Blood Cells (WBCs) grow rapidly and surround Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and platelets, resulting in abnormal blood composition. WBCs mostly generated in the bone marrow and some percentage is produced in the lymph nodes spleen and thymus gland.  WBCs play a key role in boosting the body’s immune system in safeguarding us from several types of foreign substances, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and atypical cells. In leukemia, irregular division in WBCs starts affecting their normal functions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Studies suggest that blood cancer patients are found to have atypical chromosomes, but that is not a direct cause of leukemia. There are several factors, which can induce leukemia such as

• Chemical exposure
• Smoking
• Radiation exposure
• Genetic disease
• Chemotherapy
• Blood disorder
• Family history of leukemia

The division in white blood cells hampers our immunity significantly as well as vital organs. When these immature cells outnumber the red blood cells and platelets, oxygen levels in the blood drop, and decreased platelets no longer facilitate blood clotting, resulting in reduced immunity.

• Some specific strains of viruses such as the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) may induce blood cancer.
• Exposure to radiation such as during cancer radiotherapy treatment could trigger leukemia.
• Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene that is also used in hair colors and some forms of cleaning agents.
• Some genetic disorders such as Down syndrome in children generate a third copy of chromosome 21, which can increase the risk of leukemia by 2–3%.
• Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment are also at considerable risk of developing blood cancer.

Symptoms of Blood Cancer

There are many physical signs and symptoms of blood cancer, while some types of leukemia may damage the internal organs.

Physical signs may comprise:

• Fatigue
• Fever,
• Vomiting,
• Easy bleeding,
• Weight loss,
• Headaches,
• Frequent infections,
• Breathing issues,
• Pain in joints or bones,
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Night sweats

Blood cancer can also impact various internal organs including central nervous system, lungs, heart, testes, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

Treatment for Blood Cancer

Various treatments available for blood cancer doctors in India are aimed at eliminating the cancer cells in the bloodstream.

The treatment for blood cancer depends on several factors such as type of leukemia, therapy suggested by the doctor, overall health and age of the patient, and disease spread to other organs.

Biological Therapy

Biological therapy or immunotherapy involves usage of drugs to enable the body’s immune system to fight cancerous cells rather than eliminate them. Sometimes, immunotherapy is used as combination therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells to kill them, but the efficacy of this modality will again depend on the stage of cancer. In early stage cancer chemotherapy results are better.

Targeted Drug Therapy

In targeted drug therapy, specific drugs are designed to alter the proteins, genes, and other cells around the cancer site, which aids cancer growth. This modality inhibits the growth of cancer cells with little damage to the healthy cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiotherapy is used to decrease the tumor size and eliminate caber cells. Sometimes, radiation is used with other modalities also such as surgery to increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Bone Marrow Transplant

As the name suggests, this therapy is used to replace a damaged portion of the bone marrow with a healthy one. This therapy is often combined with radiation or chemotherapy.

Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in India

India is one of the favorite destinations for affordable cancer treatment due to world-class medical facilities, trained oncologists, and the success rates of the various modalities offered. In India, patients can avail of leukemia treatment at around 30-50% lower rates for a specific therapy as compared to other countries. The cost of blood cancer treatment varies depending on the type of leukemia and the treatment procedure adopted you can check the cost of blood cancer treatment here.

Besides, a well-groomed network of facilitating agencies helps the patient right from initial counseling sessions to a selection of best hospitals and doctors to stay arrangements to airport pick and drop management. Above all, the availability of experienced oncology specialists and advanced hospital infrastructure within the vicinity of major airports gives an edge to the healthcare delivery sector in the country.