Blood cancer cases are on the rise according to an analysis of the latest hospital admission figures, with the majority of admissions currently being for Lymphoma.
In the last ten years, admissions have risen by a quarter for the three main types of blood cancer, which are lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma.
Figures went from 19,350 to 24,180 in just one year, according to DKMS’s analysis of the latest Health and Social Care Information Centre data.
The analysis revealed to mark World Blood Cancer Day (28th May), shows a considerable increase in admissions to hospital for leukaemia (23%), lymphoma (22%) and myeloma (37%).
What’s more, leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are all types of blood cancer featured in the top ten most common cancers in the UK, alongside breast, prostate and lung cancer.
Peter Mas-Mollinedo, chief executive of DKMS, warned that this growing number shouldn't be ignored, and the best way to help is through a blood stem cell donation. This life-saving treatment could help those diagnosed.
He says they have a tough job of getting people to register, and that's why they're using World Blood Cancer Day as a drive to help encourage people to sign up and join the register. It could help to save a person's life.
It takes just minutes to register online, and you'll get a cheek swab kit to carry out a tissue test. This then goes onto a database which might see you one day be a blood stem cell donor. You register on the site dkms.org.uk
What is blood cancer?
When doctors refer to blood cancer there are a number of things it could be, it's a general term for the cancers that can affect bone marrow and the lymphatic system, as well as the blood.
It's a cancer that affects many people, in fact, in the UK every 20 minutes someone is told they have blood cancer.
Myeloma is one of the less common types of blood cancer, but it still occurs.
The sixth most common cancer in the UK is a type of blood cancer, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. And the 11th most common cancer in the UK is Leukaemia.
Treatments for blood cancer
The treatment for blood cancer is dependant on the type that you have, as well as the stage of cancer you have. Your general health is also taken into consideration.
The most common treatments are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, in some cases, only a stem cell or bone marrow transplant will help.
Signs and symptoms of blood cancer
There are many different symptoms you may get if you have blood cancer. Some of them can be quite vague and not everyone has the same symptoms. Once your GP or hospital team suspect blood cancer, they’ll organise a series of tests to confirm a diagnosis.