While there are many people who don’t survive blood cancer, an increasing number of patients have been cured and many more have long periods of disease control. But while survival is possible, it does come with its challenges. Here are some things to keep in mind during your treatment. After your diagnosis, you will be required to follow a rigorous follow-up care plan. The aim is to prevent the cancer from returning, as well as any complications that may arise.
If you think you might be suffering from blood cancer, you must consult your doctor as soon as possible. The treatment you receive will affect your body for months to come. Some of the side effects may not be obvious for many years. These are known as late effects. Radiation and chemotherapy may cause cardiac problems, gut disorders, and other organ problems.
There are two types of blood cancer: slow-growing and fast-growing. Sometimes, the type of cancer can change as the treatment continues. For example, MDS can turn into acute myeloid leukemia. As a result, the prognosis for this disease can vary greatly. The good news is that the survival rate for people with blood cancer is 70% or more.
Because of research breakthroughs, survival rates for blood cancer are now higher than for most other types of cancer. In fact, between 2010 and 2016, five years after a diagnosis, seventy-six percent of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma were alive. In addition, the treatments for these types of cancer are more effective than ever before.
