1 in 19 people will develop blood cancer in their lifetime.
1. Lymphoma
2. Leukaemia
3. Myeloma
4. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
5. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
Risk Factors
In most cases of blood cancer, there is no specific cause, and the changes in DNA within blood cells are not related to anything specific. However, there are things that we know can affect your risk. These factors are:
- Age: 40% of people diagnosed with blood cancer are over the age of 75.
- Sex: Blood cancers are more common in men.
- Ethnicity: Men from White and Black ethnic groups have higher rates of leukaemia than those from the British Asian ethnic group. (Blood Cancer UK, 2026)
- Family history: Most blood cancers are not inherited. However, some people may inherit genetic changes that increase their risk of developing certain blood cancers. (Dr Sarah Westbury, 2026)
- Radiation or chemical exposure: A population-based study in Japan has revealed a gradual increase in the rates of therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia. (MedicalXpress, 2026)
- Certain infections: Epstein-Barr virus has been linked to an increased risk of some blood cancers. (Science Insights, 2026)
Symptoms
There are many symptoms of blood cancers, but the most common include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Lumps or swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Drenching night sweats
- Persistent, recurrent or severe infections
- Unexplained persistent fever of 38°C or above
- Unexplained pain in your bones, joints or abdomen
- Unexplained rash or itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Pallor – If you gently pull down the lower eyelid, the skin looks white inside or pale pink instead of dark pink or red.
Recognise any of these symptoms?
If these symptoms seem familiar, the NHS advises speaking with a health professional or GP.
Blood Cancer UK, 2026. Ethnicity. [Online]
Available at: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/about-us/edi-strategy/ethnicity/
[Accessed 4th September 2026].
Dr Sarah Westbury, C. H., 2026. Can blood cancer be inherited?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/podcasts/amanda-pichini-dr-katie-snape-bev-speight-and-dr-sarah-westbury-can-blood-cancer-be-inherited
[Accessed 2nd September 2026].
MedicalXpress, 2026. Rates of secondary blood-related cancers that develop due to chemotherapy or radiation may be rising. [Online]
Available at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-secondary-blood-cancers-due-chemotherapy.html
[Accessed 2nd September 2026].
Science Insights, 2026. What can cause blood cancer? Key risk factors. [Online]
Available at: https://scienceinsights.org/what-can-cause-blood-cancer-key-risk-factors/
[Accessed 2nd September 2026].
This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak to a healthcare professional.
