Blood cancer:
Improving care

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Understanding symptoms
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Almost every 30 minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma.*
*State of the Nation: Blood Cancers in Australia Report 2023
Blood cancer happens when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells and disrupting normal blood function. The three main types—leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma—affect people of all ages. Thanks to advances in treatment and research, people with blood cancer are living longer today than they did 20 years ago.
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BLOOD CANCER SYMPTOMS

Clues your body might be
giving you

Blood cancers are caused by genetic mutations, or changes in the DNA of blood cells.  Additional risk factors vary by specific type of cancer.
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Some common symptoms are:
  • Fever and chills
  • Ongoing fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Abdominal (stomach area) discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infections
  • Itchy skin or skin rash
  • Swollen lymph node in the neck, underarms, or groin
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See your doctor if you're experiencing symptoms

It’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and get anything concerning checked out.
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DIAGNOSING BLOOD CANCER

Steps to a blood cancer diagnosis

You should see your primary care doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of blood cancer. Doctors usually start by giving you a check-up. They’ll ask about your health, look at your body and lymph nodes, and check for bruises or signs of infection.
Additional tests will depend on the type of blood cancer you may have:
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Blood tests

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These can show if anything looks out of the ordinary, like your blood cell count or proteins in your blood
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Biopsy

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A biopsy may also be needed to study a sample of cells, like from an affected lymph node.
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Bone marrow aspiration

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Bone marrow aspiration is another procedure that looks at your bone marrow, looking for abnormal cells or DNA changes.
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Imaging scans

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These can be helpful, but this also depends on the type of blood cancer. Scans could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, X-ray, or ultrasound.
This is an example of the steps someone may experience to evaluate their cancer. Individual experiences may vary. You should always consult with your doctor for medical advice.
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TREATMENT AND TRIALS

Common treatment options for blood cancer

There are different ways to treat blood cancer. The treatment you get depends on the type of blood cancer you have and how far it has spread. Your doctor will help you choose what’s best for you. You might get more than one kind of treatment at the same time. It’s important to talk with your doctor about how each treatment works and what side effects it might have.

Here are some common treatments:

  • Chemotherapy – Medicine that helps shrink or kill cancer cells.
  • Targeted Therapy – Medicine that attacks cancer cells but leaves healthy cells alone.
  • Radiation Therapy – High-energy rays (like X-rays) that kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy – Medicine that helps your immune system find and fight cancer.
  • Stem Cell Transplant – A procedure that helps your body make healthy blood cells again.
  • Cancer Vaccines & Oncolytic Viruses – These help your immune system find and destroy cancer cells.
  • Gene Therapy – A new gene is added to your immune cells to help them fight cancer.
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Explore clinical trial opportunities

We are dedicated to making cancer clinical trials more accessible and diverse. These trials often offer investigational medicines and help advance cancer research. Qualifying participants get care from a dedicated team of doctors and nurses involved in the study.
Explore Lilly cancer clinical trials
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No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
CMAT-27011 | May 2026
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