Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Written by: Sitara Nair

Every September, people worldwide observe Blood Cancer Awareness Month, shedding light on and sharing information about blood cancers such as Leukemia and Lymphoma. Let’s learn about what Blood Cancer Awareness Month means and how you can help spread awareness. 

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, “Leukemia and lymphoma are cancers that affect the blood and lymph system, respectively.” Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells inside the bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside bones). Usually, stem cells in the bone marrow develop into healthy blood cells (like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). These cells then grow, perform their functions, and die when their time is up. However, with leukemia, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells (called leukemia cells). These cells don’t function properly, don’t die when they should, and multiply/overcrowd healthy blood cells. This is harmful because as leukemia cells occupy space, the bone marrow struggles to produce enough normal blood cells. This weakens the immune system, reduces oxygen transport, and even affects clotting. There are four different types of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). According to the American Association for Cancer Research, “Experts estimated that 66,890 new cases of leukemia would be diagnosed in the United States in 2025 and 23,540 would die from this disease, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).”

So, what is lymphoma? Well, lymphoma is related to leukemia but is a different type of blood cancer. It begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (small glands in your neck, armpits, groin, chest, etc.), the spleen, the thymus, and part of the bone marrow. In lymphoma, certain white blood cells called lymphocytes (a type of immune cell) grow uncontrollably. It differs from leukemia because leukemia originates in the bone marrow and spreads into the blood.

In contrast, lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, such as lymph nodes, and can spread to other parts of the body. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), which is less common and has a specific type of abnormal cell. The second is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which is more common and is a big group of different lymphomas without that abnormal cell. 

September’s Impact

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn about and support people with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood diseases. During this month, special events and activities help everyone understand the signs to watch for, how doctors find and treat these cancers, and why catching them early is so important. Groups such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Lymphoma Action UK, and the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation organize fundraisers, community projects, and support programs for families. On September 15, the world comes together for World Lymphoma Awareness Day, led by the Lymphoma Coalition, to focus on learning about lymphoma, spotting symptoms, and helping people who are affected. The color red is the symbol for all blood cancers, and during September it reminds us to spread kindness, share knowledge, and show support for those facing these illnesses.