The etiology and risk factors associated with blood cancer may be due to genetic factors, external/environmental factors, or a combination of both. External/environmental factors may include exposure to certain agricultural products (e.g., herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides), immunosuppressive biologic medications, and prior radiation or chemotherapy treatments for other cancers. Risk factors vary based on the type of blood cancer, and examples may include the following: increased age; some blood cancers are more prevalent in males than females; history of certain infections, including Epstein-Barr virus or HIV; history of tobacco use; and having an autoimmune disease.

Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, and types include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL includes various subtypes, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma. DLBCL is the most common type of NHL globally, accounting for an estimated 22% of newly diagnosed cases of B-cell NHL in the U.S., with over 18,000 people being diagnosed with DLBCL annually. Although it can occur in childhood, the incidence of DLBCL commonly increases with age, and the majority of patients are aged older than 60 years upon diagnosis, with a reported average age of 64 years at diagnosis. DLBCL is a rapidly growing, aggressive form of NHL and can be fatal if left untreated, but with prompt and appropriate treatment, nearly two-thirds of all patients can be cured.

Leukemia initiates in the bone marrow and blood and causes the production of abnormal white blood cells. Subtypes of leukemia include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Multiple myeloma initiates in the plasma cells found in the bone marrow and impacts the body’s ability to generate antibodies.

While the clinical presentation and severity associated with blood cancer varies from patient to patient, examples of common signs and symptoms may include unexplained fatigue, persistent fever, chills, night sweats, anemia, unusual bleeding or bruising, unexpected or unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, itchy skin or rash, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin area, enlarged liver or spleen, and joint/bone pain.

Since early detection and treatment may improve overall clinical outcomes in some patients, oncologists and hematologists advise individuals to seek medical care early if they are experiencing any symptoms.

Pharmacists are well poised to expand awareness about the various types of blood cancers and encourage patients to discuss risk factors with their primary healthcare providers. Moreover, pharmacists can encourage patients who are experiencing any of these symptoms to seek further medical evaluation to rule out or confirm a diagnosis and initiate treatment, if warranted, tailored to their needs. 

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.