Red Ribbon · Awareness month: September
Blood cancer includes leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, each with different subtypes and treatment approaches. Learn how these cancers affect the body, the signs and risk factors to know, how they are diagnosed and treated, and how research is working toward better answers.
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At NFCR, we believe understanding cancer is an important part of fighting it.
Blood cancers involve the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic and immune systems. Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are the three main groups.
These diseases affect different cells and parts of the body. Knowing the full name of your cancer and its subtype is an important starting point for understanding your care.
The main groups and how they differ
The three main groups include distinct diagnoses. Your care team can explain which one applies to you.
Behind every number is a person
These figures describe the scale and main groupings of blood cancer. Population estimates cannot predict an individual outcome.
U.S. estimates for 2026 · Source: American Cancer Society
Changes that may signal blood cancer
Symptoms vary by diagnosis. Possible changes include:
Understand your risk of blood cancer
Risk factors differ across leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Discuss which parts of your history may matter for your diagnosis or risk.
Many blood cancers become more common with age and are more common in men, but the pattern differs between diseases.
A family history of blood cancer may be relevant.
Some exposures can affect blood cancer risk.
Obesity is among the risk factors associated with some blood cancers.
Steps that may help lower risk: There are few established ways to prevent these cancers. Avoid tobacco, stay active, eat well and limit harmful exposures as part of healthy habits. These steps support general health and do not guarantee prevention. Ask your doctor about your own history and concerns.
How blood cancer is found — step by step
There is no routine screening test for blood cancers comparable to a mammogram for breast cancer. Symptoms and other findings can lead to further investigation.
Ask which tests establish the type of blood cancer and what the results mean.
These can help identify changes associated with myeloma. Other tests depend on the suspected diagnosis.
In lymphoma, examining the cells helps distinguish Hodgkin from non-Hodgkin disease.
Ask for a copy of your pathology report and an explanation of any results that guide treatment.
Understanding your results: Not everyone follows the same testing pathway. Ask whether further tests are needed and which results will guide the next care decision.
Explore your blood cancer treatment options
Treatment discussions begin with the exact diagnosis, its characteristics, your health and your preferences. Options used for one blood cancer may not be suitable for another.
Medicines are used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. The medicines and schedule depend on the disease.
Medicines act on particular features involved in cancer growth. Ask whether testing identifies a relevant target.
Treatments help the immune system fight cancer. CAR T-cell therapy is used for selected blood cancers, including certain leukemias and lymphomas.
This is an option in selected settings, including some leukemias and myeloma. Your team can explain its purpose and what it would involve.
Studies test new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. Ask whether a trial may fit your diagnosis and care needs.
You don’t need to understand everything at once
It is reasonable to need time to absorb a diagnosis. Start with a few questions, ask for written explanations and involve someone you trust when that helps.
Blood Cancer — A few steps can help
A few steps can help
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Blood cancer research includes work on blood-forming stem cells, experimental compounds against leukemia cells and the genetic mechanisms that influence cancer growth and treatment resistance. These approaches address different questions and stages of development. Laboratory findings need further testing before they can become established treatments.
We support research into blood-forming stem cells, experimental therapies and the genetic mechanisms of cancer. Curt Civin’s work on CD34 helped scientists isolate blood-forming stem cells for transplantation, and his later laboratory studies investigated compounds against AML cells. We began supporting Wei Zhang’s genomics research in 2006 and supported Michael Sporn’s chemoprevention research from 1999 to 2015. Our current and past-supported researchers address blood cancers and broader questions that may inform progress across cancer types.
Explore current and past-supported scientists featured in our blood cancer research portfolio. Their projects include blood cancer research and broader work in cancer biology and drug development.
Helped develop methods to isolate blood-forming stem cells for transplantation. His later laboratory research investigated artemisinin-derived compounds against AML cells; these findings do not establish an approved AML treatment.
View his research
Pioneered chemoprevention research, including studies of fenretinide and other compounds intended to prevent or delay cancer. His work spans several cancer types. We supported his research from 1999 to 2015.
View his research
Develops treatments for childhood cancers. His projects focus on pediatric brain tumors and sarcoma, within a broader effort to translate research into new therapies for children.
View his research
Uses cancer genomics to investigate growth, progression and treatment resistance. His precision oncology research has potential relevance to leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well as other cancers.
View his researchExplore the next step in your journey
Understanding your diagnosis, staging, pathology and the questions to ask your doctor.
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Patient & caregiver resourcesDiscover meaningful ways to support cancer research and help move medical advancements forward.
Find ways to helpEvery new discovery has the potential to change what we know about cancer — how it begins, how it spreads, how it can be detected, and how it can be treated.
Your support helps fund scientists working across cancer types to turn promising discoveries into life-saving options for patients.
Prefer to speak with someone? Call us to donate — 1-800-321-CURE.
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