Blood cancers affect children and adults alike, though they are not quite as prevalent among kids. There are many types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and others. If left untreated, these conditions can cause serious complications and even death. In some cases, the disease may have been present for years without being detected.
There are many doctors who treat cancer. The type of doctors who specialize in treating blood related disorders are known as hematologists. There are several best hematologists in India which help to treat blood cancer in patients at different stages of cancer. Consult a hematologist if you suffer from any type of blood disorder.
The types of treatment depend on the type of blood cancer involved. A bone marrow transplant may help treat certain blood cancers, particularly leukemia. Chemotherapy is often administered to treat blood cancers that do not respond well to treatments involving surgery. Radiation therapy is employed to kill cancer cells after chemotherapy fails.
Prevention is always preferable to cure. By eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to carcinogens, you can reduce your chances of developing blood cancer.
What causes blood cancer?
The two most commonly known types of blood cancers are leukemia and lymphoma. These are both cancers of the white blood cells, specifically the red blood cells. Leukemia is where the white blood cells become abnormal and begin to multiply uncontrollably. Lymphoma is where the white blood cell’s immune system attacks them. Both cancerous conditions have many risk factors, including genetics, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices. Here are some things that may contribute to blood cancer.
1. Genetics
Genetics plays a big role in whether someone gets blood cancer or not. If a person inherits certain genes that predispose them to getting these types of cancers, then they have a higher chance of developing the condition than if they don’t inherit those same genes. In fact, people who inherit certain genetic mutations tend to get blood cancer at younger ages than average. It’s estimated that about 10% of all cases of leukemia are caused by inherited gene mutations.
2. Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins like chemicals and radiation have been linked to causing leukemia and lymphoma. People exposed to pesticides, for example, are at a greater risk of developing blood cancers because of their toxicity. Some studies have shown that men who work with asbestos are at increased risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and blood cancers like leukemia. Radiation exposure is also associated with several types of cancer.
3. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption has long been linked to various forms of cancer, especially liver cancer. Drinking alcohol exposes your body to carcinogens that increase your chances of developing blood cancers. Also, drinking can lead to malnutrition and poor nutrition, which can cause your body to produce hormones that may encourage the growth of cancerous cells.
4. Tobacco Use
Tobacco use has been associated with many different types of cancer, including blood cancer. It increases the production of free radicals in your body, which damages DNA and encourages cancer to develop. Cigarette smoke contains over 60 chemical compounds that are potentially harmful to your health.
5. Poor Diet
A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods is related to an increased risk of blood cancer development. Fiber helps keep you full and keeps your digestive tract clean. A lack of adequate fiber may allow toxic substances to enter your bloodstream and promote the formation of cancerous tumors. Processed food is often high in preservatives and artificial ingredients that make it difficult for your body to break down properly.
6. Chronic Illness
Chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease increase the likelihood of developing blood cancers. Your body requires vitamins and minerals to function properly, and chronic illness can decrease your intake of certain nutrients. Diabetics, for instance, need to take extra vitamin B12 to help prevent nerve damage.
How to prevent blood cancer?
There are several substances that you can add into your diet to prevent blood cancer, such as:
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for vision, bone formation, reproduction, immune system function, and skin integrity. The best dietary source of vitamin A is provitamin A (beta-carotene). The human body converts some beta-carotene into vitamin A.
2. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps metabolize protein, fats, and carbs. It also aids in production of red blood cells and maintaining a strong nervous system. It is commonly found in meat, eggs, dairy products, grains, beans, nuts, and leafy vegetables.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that supports collagen synthesis, boosts immunity, and promotes wound healing. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluable vitamin that helps maintain normal bones and teeth, reduce inflammation, and protect against certain cancers. Milk, fish liver oils, and mushrooms provide good sources of vitamin D.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that assists in reducing scarring and promoting wound healing. Good sources of vitamin E include almonds, avocado, spinach, and sunflower seeds.
6. Folic Acid
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is critical for fetal brain and spinal cord development. Women who have had children require more folic acid than women who do not have children. Vegetables like dark green leafy vegetables, corn, peas, potatoes, and wheat germ are excellent sources of folic acid.
7. Iron
Iron is an important mineral in the body and is needed for many biochemical reactions. It is involved in the formation of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes. Anemia caused by iron deficiency is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Iron is found in meats, poultry, legumes, whole grains, dried fruit, and fortified cereals.
