Blood cancer is a serious condition that can affect anyone. In the early stages, its symptoms are often vague and easy to overlook. People may experience tiredness, fever, frequent infections, or unusual bruising and bleeding. These signs can seem like normal health problems, so many ignore them. Early detection is crucial because it improves treatment options and increases the chances of recovery. Routine blood tests can help identify warning signs before the disease progresses.
Dr Vinod Patil, Haematologist and Consultant at Oncolife Cancer Centre in Satara, says that while routine blood tests cannot confirm blood cancer on their own, they can indicate that something may be wrong. This early alert allows doctors to perform further tests, start timely treatment, and improve the patient’s survival chances.
There are several simple blood tests that doctors recommend to detect early warning signs of blood cancer. These tests are affordable, widely available, and act as a first step in identifying potential problems.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): CBC is one of the most common tests for checking blood health. It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormal levels, whether too high or too low, can signal an underlying issue, including blood cancer. For example, very low red blood cells can indicate anaemia, while high white blood cell counts may suggest leukemia.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): ESR measures the level of inflammation in the body. A high ESR does not confirm blood cancer, but it can alert doctors to investigate further. In some cases, elevated ESR levels may indicate an ongoing disease process, including cancer.
Peripheral smear: In this test, a drop of blood is examined under a microscope. It allows doctors to see the size, shape, and number of blood cells. The presence of abnormal or immature blood cells can raise suspicion for leukemia or other blood cancers. This test is simple but provides important information about the patient’s blood health.
Bone marrow biopsy: If initial blood tests suggest a problem, a doctor may recommend a bone marrow biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to examine it for cancer cells. It is more invasive than routine blood tests but provides a definitive diagnosis in many cases.
By combining these tests, doctors can identify early warning signs of blood cancer and act quickly. Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment and can save lives.
Blood cancer treatment is not the same for everyone. The approach depends on many factors, including the type and subtype of cancer, genetic mutations, age, overall health, and how aggressive the disease is. Doctors carefully evaluate these factors before deciding the best treatment plan.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy is often used for leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Targeted therapy: Targeted drugs focus on specific molecules in cancer cells to stop their growth. These therapies can be more precise than chemotherapy, affecting mainly cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It helps the patient’s own defense system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Bone marrow transplant: In cases where bone marrow is damaged, a transplant may replace it with healthy cells from a donor. This can restore normal blood cell production and improve outcomes.
Radiation therapy: Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used alongside other treatments to target specific areas affected by cancer.
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Recovery after treatment depends on the patient’s overall health, adherence to medical advice, and support from family and caregivers. Rehabilitation, regular monitoring, and lifestyle changes can also help patients maintain their health and prevent complications.
Dr Patil emphasizes that routine blood tests are a vital tool for early detection. “While these tests cannot directly diagnose blood cancer, they act as an early warning system,” he says. “They help doctors take immediate steps, initiate treatment quickly, and improve the patient’s chances of survival.”
In conclusion, anyone experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, frequent infections, unusual bruising, or other abnormal symptoms should consult a doctor and consider routine blood tests. Early detection, timely intervention, and proper treatment can make a significant difference in the fight against blood cancer.
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