Blood Cancer Awareness Month: What To Expect

Another September is here, which means we get to commemorate another Blood Cancer Awareness month. As you tell your friends and family about this important month, here are some key points about why we bring awareness to blood cancers: 

What is Blood Cancer Awareness Month? 

Blood Cancer Awareness Month, observed in September each year, is a campaign aimed at raising awareness about various types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The goal of this awareness month is to educate the public about these diseases, their symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of early detection.

Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia a Blood Cancer? What Makes Blood Cancers Different?

Blood cancers, unlike solid tumors, affect the cells and components of the blood and bone marrow, which play a crucial role in carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and overall immune function. There are different types of blood cancers, and they can be classified into three main categories:

1. Leukemia: Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It results in the production of abnormal white blood cells, which disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system. Leukemia can be acute (progresses rapidly) or chronic (develops slowly). There are four main types of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

2. Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system. It primarily involves the lymph nodes and lymphoid tissues. There are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

3. Myeloma: Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. It mainly affects bone marrow and bone health, causing symptoms like bone pain, fractures, and anemia.

How is Blood Cancer Awareness Month Observed? 

During Blood Cancer Awareness Month, various organizations, patient advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and individuals come together to promote activities such as educational seminars, fundraising events, public service announcements, social media campaigns, and wearing specific colors (like orange for leukemia and red for myeloma) to show support for those affected by blood cancers.

Raising awareness about blood cancers is crucial for encouraging early diagnosis and access to appropriate medical care. It also helps in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding these diseases and empowers patients and their families with information that can assist them in making informed decisions about treatment and support.

What is the HealthTree Foundation Doing to Participate in Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2023? 

This year, the HealthTree Foundation is focusing on educating the community about the amazing innovation that has occurred throughout the history of acute myeloid leukemia. We want to help our community understand the possibility of living a longer and more fulfilled life with acute myeloid leukemia. 

Stay tuned for educational content on the history of AML innovation, clinical trials (debunking myths!), and an exciting, upcoming announcement about how we are taking the HealthTree Foundation to the next level to expand our reach and replicate our successes. 

Share our September content via social media, email, or word of mouth to your family and friends as you share about how AML is a disease worth fighting- with new trials and treatments becoming rapidly available. There's hope with an AML diagnosis! 

Key Acute Myeloid Leukemia Programs to Access This Month 

1. Track your AML labs through HealthTree Cure Hub to stay ahead of your disease 
2. Educate yourself and your loved ones through HealthTree University 
3. Connect 1:1 with a patient or caregiver Coach who understands what you are going through 
4. Refresh what you've learned through past AML Educational Webinars 
5. Search for an AML specialist on our Specialists Directory 
6. Stay connected to us throughout the month to receive all of our blood cancer awareness content by registering for our newsletter