What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects your blood cells. DNA mutations are the main cause of blood cancers.
Types of blood cancer
There are around 140 different types of blood cancer.
There are different types of blood cancer, including:
They each have different symptoms, treatments and prognoses.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with any type of blood cancer, order our free booklet ‘Your blood cancer diagnosis – what happens now?’. It tells you the key things to know about blood cancer, including tips from other people who’ve been diagnosed.
If someone you love has been diagnosed, you might find information for family and friends helpful. It covers how to support someone with blood cancer, practical tips, coping with your own emotions, and lots of real stories from other friends and family members.
Acute and chronic blood cancers
You might see blood cancers described as:
- acute – this means a fast-growing cancer
- chronic – this means a slower-growing cancer
Childhood cancers
Some types of blood cancer affect children. Symptoms and treatment can be different between children and adults. We have more information about childhood leukaemia.
Signs and Symptoms
Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer, and can include unexplained weight loss, bruising and bleeding, a rash or itchy skin, extreme fatigue, drenching night sweats, lumps, bone pain and recurring infections.
Useful Contacts
Get help and support from different organisations.