Blood Cancer: Tackling the global challenge through awareness and detection

Blood cancer remains one of the most formidable global health challenges. Each year, millions of people around the world are diagnosed with this disease, which ranks as the fifth most common type globally. With an estimated 1.24 million cases occurring annually, blood cancer accounts for approximately 720,000 deaths each year, representing over 7% of cancer-related fatalities .  The global prevalence of blood cancer is a stark reminder of the urgent and crucial need for increased awareness and the importance of early detection. 

The cancer is characterized by the various malignancies (cancerous cells) that affect the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system with leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma being the most common types. Myeloma develops when a type of bone marrow cell called a plasma cell begins to divide uncontrollably, which impairs the production of antibodies and weakens the immune system .

Leukemia is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, disrupting the production of normal blood cells. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, specifically targeting lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell integral to the immune system. 

Common symptoms of blood cancer can include fatigue, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, bone pain and unusual bruising or bleeding. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and bone marrow biopsies to assess the presence of abnormal cells. Needless to say, early diagnosis is vital, as it significantly improves clinical outcomes . 

The overall five-year survival rate for blood cancer is approximately 70%, but this varies significantly by type. For instance, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have survival rates exceeding 85%, while acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myeloma have rates below 50%. Multiple myeloma is currently uncurable, meaning it can be controlled but not cured. Patients often require ongoing treatment to manage the disease effectively .

It’s also important to acknowledge that the impact of blood cancer extends far beyond the patient, affecting families and communities on multiple levels, both emotionally and financially.

"In the relentless fight against blood cancer, our strongest weapons are awareness and early detection," said Dr. Dr. Bassim Albeirouti XXX, a leadingConsultant Hematologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia oncologist. "When individuals are informed and vigilant, they can recognize the subtle early warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. Regular screenings are not just a recommendation — they are a lifeline."

Dr. Ihab El-Hemaidi, Leading  Hematology Consultant at the National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabiaist XXX also emphasized the transformative potential of recent innovations: "We are at the cusp of a new era in oncology. The strides we have made in medical science, particularly with groundbreaking solutions, are changing the landscape of cancer treatment. These innovative solutions not only give us more effective tools to fight cancer but also provide patients with renewed hope for a future where blood cancer can be managed more successfully. Our goal is to get ahead of cancer, collaboration is key to driving change and innovation.”

There is an ongoing effort to enhance awareness and provide resources to those affected by blood cancer. In 2022, a notable initiative involved the collaboration with the Saudi Society for Blood Disorders to develop the GCC’s first online resource for blood cancer information in Arabic. This initiative reflects a multi-pronged approach to combatting the disease, emphasizing the comprehensive approach needed to combat this disease, and the importance of education and support in addition to medical treatment.

Mohammed Alquwaizani Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Saudi Arabia said: “The key to improving outcomes for patients with hematological malignancies lies in raising awareness, providing education, and fostering strong healthcare collaborations. We must bridge the information gap and offer comprehensive support to those affected by blood cancer. Johnson & Johnson is dedicated to transforming cancer care by offering vital resources, fostering partnerships, and advancing research to address the unmet needs of patients with multiple myeloma.”

The incidence of leukemia in Saudi Arabia showed a steady increase between 1999 and 2013, with a total of 8,712 cases reported across both genders. Data from the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) revealed that 57.2% of the diagnosed cases were male, while 42.8% were female .

We know that low awareness can lead to late diagnosis and can make it hard for people to find the information and support they need, leading to a greater sense of isolation.

In the near term, blood cancer remains a significant global health challenge. However, advancements in research, treatment and increased awareness, provide a hopeful outlook for managing the disease more effectively in the future. Personalized treatment plans are also crucial, as each patient’s cancer is unique. A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, hematologists, and other specialists ensures that patients receive comprehensive and tailored care .