The Most Common Blood Cancers in Adults

Blood Cancer is a disease that is prevalent across the country despite being a lesser-known form of cancer. It is estimated that every 9 minutes, a life is taken by some form of blood cancer in the US. While there are several forms of blood cancer, there are the most common ones that manifest in certain age groups. Here are the different types of blood cancers that are most likely to affect adults.  

Common Blood Cancers Most Prevalent in Adults

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

It is estimated that over 77,000 adults in the US may be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in 2020. More than 791,000 people are living with or are in remission with NHL in the US this year.

This form of blood cancer affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system that defends the entire body from diseases. In this disease, tumors develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Prevalent in adult cases for NHL is the large B-cell lymphoma, which grows at an alarmingly rapid rate. At the other end of the spectrum is follicular lymphoma, which develops slowly.

The 5-year survival rate of NHL is about 72%. It is important to note that there are different rates according to the patient’s stage of lymphoma. 


Leukemia is one of the more known types of blood cancer in reputation. It is estimated that more than 60,000 people will be diagnosed with some form of leukemia this year. There are currently more than 367,000 people receiving treatment or are in remission with leukemia in the country. This type of blood cancer attacks the bone marrow, which is responsible for developing red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Leukemia may affect the lymphatic system as well. There are three types of Leukemia common to adults. These are:

Acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. This form of cancer is rapid in growth, producing abnormal amounts of white blood cells to red blood cells and platelets, causing easy bruising, fatigue, and recurring infections. Smoking is the top controllable risk factor in this form of cancer.

It is predicted that about 20,000 patients, mostly adults, will be diagnosed with this form of cancer in 2020. AML will be less common to adults under the age of 45. The 5-year survival rate for this form of cancer is 25% for ages 20 and above.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia overall in adults. Like most leukemia types, it develops in the bone marrow and slowly makes its way into the bloodstream. Red blood cells are outnumbered, which makes it difficult to transport oxygen throughout the body. “Chronic” means that leukemia cells tend to partially develop, meaning they are not fully matured and often appear normal.

There are two types of CLL that adults need to look out for. One type develops much slower, giving a chance to act on and recover from the disease through treatment. The other develops rapidly, making it more serious.

It is often more difficult to cure chronic leukemia than acute leukemia. However, the 5-year survival rate for CLL is 88.2% for adults 20 and older. This, of course, varies on the stage of leukemia the patient is in. 

Acute lymphocytic leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a fatal type of leukemia because of its progression rate. When left untreated, it can be proven fatal within months. This disease forms immature lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell supposed to protect the body from infections. This disease is most common in white males. 

The 5-year survival rate for ALL is around 71% overall. Children and young adults have a higher survival rate for this type of leukemia.

Multiple myeloma

More than 32,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with myeloma this 2020. Multiple myeloma is one of the most common types among adults.

Multiple myeloma is when there is an overproduction of plasma cells in the body developed from B lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Plasma cells typically develop to build antibodies to fight off bacteria and viruses to prevent infection. However, too much plasma cells result in a lot less room for red blood cells to develop. This can lead to infections and anemia. This type of blood cancer is difficult to diagnose, as some patients exhibit no symptoms. This may cause signs like fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, and bone pain.

The 5-year survival rate for multiple myeloma is 76.2% for adults under the age of 45. More than 32,000 cases of myeloma are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2020. Approximately 12,000 deaths or more will be related to this disease. 

Blood Cancer Prevention

There is no specific cause that is identifiable with blood cancer. However, factors such as biological build, the prevalence in family history, and aging are the most common among those diagnosed. Since the cause is still unspecified, there is no means of prevention that guarantees one hundred percent immunity from developing it. But adopting healthy habits such as living a vice-free and active lifestyle may help reduce your risk and boost your immune system to fight off this disease and more.

Blood Cancer Treatment at New Hope Medical Center

New Hope Medical Center offers an alternative treatment to cancer that may reduce the severity of this disease. With special attention given to each patient, this medical facility provides a more personal and holistic approach in the battle that you face with this type of cancer or other kinds. If you or a friend or relative are experiencing difficulties in treatment, contact us, and find out more about what we do and how we may help you in your journey to recovery.

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