Blood cancer is a disease that affects blood cells, bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, blood cancer affects how the body produces blood cells — the cells that give a person energy, fight infection and prevent excessive bleeding.
Also known as hematologic cancer, blood cancer begins in the cells of the immune system or in blood-forming tissue such as bone marrow.
The three main types of blood cancer are:
• Leukemia, which starts in the lymphatic system — the part of the immune system that fights infection.
• Lymphoma, a cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow.
• Myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells — the white blood cells that make antibodies to protect against infection.
The Centers for Disease Contral and Prevention has more information on its website.
