Each year, September is named as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. This awareness month was established to educate communities and raise awareness about the fight against blood cancer. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), blood cancers are the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Furthermore, blood cancer is the most common cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults. For those impacted by blood cancers, as with many diseases, early detection is often the most important factor in determining treatment success.
In 2025, it is estimated that 192,000 people will be diagnosed with blood cancer. Furthermore, every 3 minutes, one person in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Many different types of cancers can affect the bone marrow, blood cells, lymph nodes, and other parts of the lymphatic system, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Under these main types of cancer, there are more specific forms of cancer.
The most common types of blood cancers are leukemia and lymphoma. According to the American Cancer Society, Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, but it can start in other blood cell types. There are several types of leukemia, which are divided based on how fast or slowly they may grow, and where they start. As for lymphoma, it is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body’s immune system. Due to the different types of leukemia and lymphoma, there are different treatments for each, which makes it important to know which type you may have.
Understanding the importance of early detection is key to treatment success; the Texas Legislature made improving patient access to treatments a priority. The passage of House Bill 21, in the 85th legislative session, known as the “Right to Try Act”, allowed patients with terminal illnesses to have increased access to potentially life-saving treatments. In addition to this bill, the legislature also allocated additional resources towards cancer research and prevention programs, such as the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). In the 86th legislative session, members passed HB 39, which repealed time limitations on the award of grants by CPRIT.
To learn more about blood cancer and the significance of this awareness month, please visit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Additional information about risk factors and prevention information is also available by visiting the American Cancer Society.
If you would like to review more about the legislature, please visit the Texas Legislature Online. If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
