Every September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month highlights diseases that affect patients, survivors, families, and caregivers across the country. It is a time to learn more about blood cancers, recognize changes that may deserve medical attention, and support those impacted by a diagnosis.

Blood cancer begins in blood-forming tissue, such as bone marrow, or in cells of the immune system. Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma are among the most familiar types, but there are more than 100 blood cancers that can affect the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other parts of the lymphatic system.

Blood Cancer United estimates that more than 1.75 million people in the United States are living with or in remission from blood cancers. In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates approximately 79,320 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 36,000 cases of multiple myeloma.

Understanding the Major Blood Cancers

Blood cancers can develop and affect the body in very different ways.

Leukemia begins in blood-forming tissue and causes abnormal blood cells to develop. It includes several acute and chronic forms that can affect people at different life stages.

Lymphoma begins in lymphocytes, cells that normally help the body fight infection. The two major categories are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Multiple myeloma develops in plasma cells found in bone marrow. As abnormal plasma cells multiply, they can interfere with healthy blood cell production and affect the bones, kidneys, and other parts of the body.

Because these diseases differ in their symptoms, progression, and treatment, awareness and reliable information are especially important.

Signs Worth Paying Attention To

Blood cancer symptoms are not always obvious, and many can also be caused by common illnesses or other conditions. Experiencing one of these symptoms does not mean someone has cancer.

Possible signs may include persistent fatigue or weakness, unexplained fever or night sweats, unintentional weight loss, frequent infections, unusual bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, and bone or joint pain.

For some blood cancers, there are no widely recommended routine screening tests for people without symptoms. Regular healthcare visits and conversations about unusual or lasting changes can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.

Treatment and Support Continue to Advance

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, blood transfusions, clinical trials, or a combination of approaches. Some patients may also be monitored before treatment becomes necessary.

Healthcare teams play an important role throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and long-term care. Nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, laboratory and imaging professionals, pharmacists, therapists, and many others contribute to both clinical care and ongoing support.

Behind every treatment plan is also a person balancing appointments, medications, uncertainty, family responsibilities, and everyday life. Compassion, communication, and dependable support remain an essential part of that journey.

Awareness Starts with Understanding

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is not about creating fear. It is about helping people better understand these diseases and making reliable information easier to find.

Awareness can begin with learning the major types of blood cancer, paying attention to changes in your health, encouraging someone to speak with a healthcare professional, supporting a patient or caregiver, or sharing information from trusted medical organizations.

At Accountable Healthcare, we recognize the healthcare professionals who support patients through some of their most challenging moments. This September, we join patients, survivors, families, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare teams in raising awareness and continuing the conversation about education, support, and hope.

Sources

National Cancer Institute
What Is Cancer?

Blood Cancer United
Blood Cancer Facts and Statistics
Types of Blood Cancer
Guide to Blood Cancer Awareness Month

American Cancer Society
Cancer Facts & Figures 2026
Signs and Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma