Myths vs Facts in Hematology

Many blood cancers are highly treatable and often curable, especially when caught early.

Hodgkin lymphoma has cure rates exceeding 90%, and many leukemias in children have cure rates above 80%. Even advanced blood cancers often achieve long-term remissions with modern treatments.

Blood cancers are not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

While some inherited genetic mutations may increase cancer risk in families, the cancer itself cannot spread through contact, sharing meals, or living together.

Blood cancers can occur at any age, from infants to elderly adults.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common in children, while some lymphomas frequently affect young adults. Age distribution varies significantly by specific blood cancer type.

Modern blood cancer treatment includes many options beyond traditional chemotherapy.

Treatment options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplantation, and radiation therapy. Treatment is increasingly personalized.

Bone marrow transplant involves infusing stem cells through an IV, similar to a blood transfusion.

No surgery is involved. Stem cells are collected from blood or bone marrow and infused intravenously. They naturally travel to the bone marrow space and begin producing new blood cells.

Anemia can be a sign of serious underlying conditions and significantly impact health.

Severe anemia can cause heart problems, pregnancy complications, and reduced quality of life. It may indicate cancer, kidney disease, or serious bleeding that requires immediate attention.

Iron supplements only help iron-deficiency anemia, not other types of anemia.

There are many causes of anemia including B12/folate deficiency, chronic disease, kidney problems, and blood loss. Each requires specific treatment. Taking iron when not deficient can even be harmful.

Sickle cell disease affects people of many ethnic backgrounds.

While more common in people of African descent, sickle cell disease also affects people from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Hispanic backgrounds where malaria was historically prevalent.

Many blood disorders are recessive, meaning you can inherit them even if parents are unaffected carriers.

Conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia require two copies of the gene mutation. Parents who are carriers (one copy) typically have no symptoms but can pass the condition to children.

While hemophilia is much more common in males, females can also be affected.

Females can have hemophilia through certain genetic combinations, and female carriers may have bleeding symptoms. Other bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease affect males and females equally.

Most people with bleeding disorders can clot adequately for minor injuries with proper management.

The main concern is internal bleeding into joints and muscles, or bleeding during surgery/dental work. With proper treatment and precautions, most people lead normal lives.

Most blood disorders are not caused by lifestyle factors and are not preventable.

While some factors like smoking may increase certain cancer risks, most blood disorders result from genetic mutations, immune system dysfunction, or unknown causes beyond patient control.