Blood Cancer (Leukemia and Lymphoma)

Blood cancer is the umbrella term for cancers that arise in the blood, the bone marrow and the lymphatic system; leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma are the main types. Unlike solid cancers, chemotherapy is the center of treatment, and depending on the type a cure is often the goal.

• Fever and cold sweats for no clear reason (especially at night), and weight loss
• Bruising easily, frequent bleeding from the gums or nose, severe tiredness from anemia
• A painless lump in the neck, armpit or groin that is getting bigger

If your blood test results are abnormal or the symptoms above continue, see the hematology and oncology department.

Depending on the type and subtype, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant are combined. Treatment can be long, so infection control (washing your hands, being careful in crowded places, asking about vaccinations) matters a great deal. Outcomes differ greatly by subtype, so knowing your exact diagnosis (the subtype) is where looking for information starts.

Registering for the special cost-sharing program for serious illness (산정특례) (5% out-of-pocket cost) is the basic step, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant is covered by insurance after a separate review. Blood donation certificates (헌혈증) can be used towards part of the cost of a transfusion. Look into the support programs of patient groups such as the Korea Blood Cancer Association too.