Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma causes plasma cells (a form of white blood cells) in your bone marrow to multiply uncontrollably. Typically, healthy plasma fights off infections and protects you from germs. But with multiple myeloma, cancerous cells overtake the healthy plasma and prevent the production of antibodies.
Multiple myeloma is most common in adults over 45, and men are more likely to be affected than women. Symptoms of multiple myeloma can include:

  • Low blood counts
  • Bone pain
  • Infections
  • Kidney problems
  • Nerve damage

Leukemia

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children under 15 – causes the cells in your bone marrow to mutate. This typically starts in the white blood cells, and prevents them from functioning properly.
Depending on where the disease starts, leukemia can be classified as either myeloid or lymphocytic. It can be further broken down as either acute (fast growing) or chronic (slow growing).
Common symptoms of leukemia include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Excessive bruising
  • Frequent nosebleeds

Blood Cancers

Accounting for about 10% of all cancers, blood cancers are caused by a mutation in the DNA of your blood cells. These mutated cells attack the healthy blood cells, preventing them from functioning normally – and preventing your body from creating more healthy cells.
Blood cancers typically start in the bone marrow, and can impact the red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. There are three categories of blood cancers:

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Myeloma