✔ Backed by: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) · National Cancer Institute · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) · Medicare.gov. Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
Picture this. A friend tells you she has been worn out for months. Not just busy-tired, but bone-tired. She has had three colds since summer, and she keeps finding bruises she can’t explain. “I’m just run down,” she says. “Everybody’s tired, right?” Could it be something like a blood cancer? It is worth asking.
Maybe. Most of the time, that kind of tiredness has an everyday cause. But sometimes the body is trying to tell us something. September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s talk about blood cancers in plain words, like two friends at the kitchen table.
Three types of blood cancer you may hear about
Blood cancers start in the bone marrow or the immune system. There are three main groups. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells, often affecting white blood cells [1]. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [5]. Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow [2].
These names can sound alike and get mixed up. And within each group there are many types and subtypes. Each can act and be treated differently. That is why knowing the exact type matters so much.
“I’m just run down.” When to get checked
Many signs are vague and have other causes. That is what makes them easy to dismiss. See a clinician if these last or keep coming back:
- Tiredness or weakness that does not go away
- Fevers, night sweats, or frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Weight loss you did not plan
- Bone pain, especially in the back [1] [2]
Why do people wait? Often it is because tiredness feels like a weakness, not a symptom. We tell ourselves to push through. Or we are scared of what a blood test might show. Have you ever explained away a symptom because you didn’t want to make a fuss?
If it is your friend, you might try something gentle:
You: “You’ve been wiped out for months, and you’ve had all those bruises. I’m not trying to worry you. But would you get it checked? It’s probably nothing, but then you’ll know.”
Your friend: “I don’t have time for a doctor.”
You: “What if I help you find a time? I can even drive.”
Who is more at risk, and who isn’t “safe”
Anyone can get a blood cancer, but some things raise the chance. Many people think leukemia only happens to kids. In fact, risk goes up with age, and leukemia is most common over age 60. One type, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), is the most common cancer in children [1].
For lymphoma, risk is higher if you have a weakened immune system or certain infections. Most of the time, doctors do not know why a person gets non-Hodgkin lymphoma [5]. Myeloma is most common in people who are middle-aged or older. Other things can also raise risk. These include being Black, being male, having a history of a related condition called MGUS, or being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals [2].
Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer. It just means it is worth knowing the signs.
When it can’t wait
Lymphoma can cause coughing, trouble breathing, or chest pain [5]. If you have trouble breathing or chest pain, call 911. Please don’t wait to see if it passes.
If you or someone you love is getting chemotherapy, know this rule. During chemotherapy, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a medical emergency. Call your doctor right away. If you go to an emergency room, tell the staff that you are getting chemotherapy [6]. Ask your care team what other signs mean you should call them, day or night, and save that after-hours number in your phone.
After the diagnosis: finding your footing
Finding out what is going on takes tests. Ask your clinician which tests you need, what each one looks for, and when you will get results. Then ask for copies of your blood test results and reports.
Treatment for blood cancers keeps changing. It may include chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant, or CAR T-cell therapy, which uses a patient’s own immune cells [3]. Some slow-growing types, like some cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), may be watched closely without treatment until signs or symptoms appear or change. Doctors call this watchful waiting [9].
Watchful waiting can feel strange. You have cancer, and the plan is to wait? Many people feel anxious about that. It is okay to ask your team to explain why, and what they will be watching for.
Clinical trials are an important option for many people [4]. Some people think trials are only a last resort. They are not. It is fine to ask about them early, not just later in treatment.
What to say at your visit
Visits can be a blur, especially early on. Bring a friend or family member to listen and take notes. Write your questions down before you go, and ask the most important one first. Here are some to start with:
You: “What exact type and subtype do I have?”
Then: “Is this a slow-growing or fast-growing type?”
And: “Should I get a second opinion at a center that treats many people with this cancer? Is there a clinical trial for me?”
Some people worry that asking about a second opinion will offend their doctor. Good doctors understand. It is a normal part of making a big decision. Which of these questions would feel hardest for you to ask?
Between visits, keep a simple log of symptoms, fevers, and how you feel each day. It helps you remember, and it helps your team see the pattern.
When cost is the worry
Cancer care can bring big bills, and money stress is real. Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has Information Specialists. They are trained oncology nurses and social workers who offer personal support, including help with money and social challenges. You can call them at (800) 955-4572, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time. The group also has financial assistance programs that may help with treatment costs and with other costs like travel and groceries [7]. Each program has its own rules.
If you have Medicare and join a clinical trial, Medicare covers some costs, like office visits and tests. You may still pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, depending on the care you get [8]. Before you join, ask the study team, “Which costs would I or my insurance pay?”
For the people who care
If you are caring for someone with a blood cancer, you matter too. Learn the fever plan and keep a thermometer handy. Help keep track of appointments, test results, and medicines in one place. Offer rides, meals, or help with paperwork. Small tasks add up. And take breaks. Ask the care team about caregiver support groups. What would help you rest without feeling guilty?
Let’s talk
Now it’s your turn. We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Have you, or someone you love, brushed off tiredness or bruising for too long? What finally made you get it checked?
If you have faced a blood cancer, what question do you wish you had asked at the very first visit?
For caregivers: what kind of help from friends made the biggest difference?
One Tru Step: If you have a new diagnosis, ask for a copy of your pathology report and keep it in your health binder.
Sources and further reading
- MedlinePlus: Leukemia
- NCI: Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment
- NCI: CAR T Cells
- NCI: Find a Cancer Clinical Trial
- MedlinePlus: Lymphoma
- CDC: Watch Out for Fever (Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients)
- Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society): Free Support and Financial Resources
- Medicare.gov: Clinical Research Studies
- NCI: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Sources checked October 10, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
Related Health Hubs
Join the conversation 💬
This is your space. Share a tip that helped you, ask the question you have been wondering about, or cheer on someone going through the same thing. Your comment shows up right away, and no account is needed.
Our house rules (they keep this a feel-good spot): Be kind. Stay on topic. Keep it free of religion, politics, and anything hurtful. Comments that break these rules are removed.
Protect your privacy: Use a first name or nickname, and skip full names, phone numbers, and personal health details.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.