Understanding Blood Cancer and Treatment

Blood cancer affects the blood-forming system, disrupting the normal function of blood cells. Blood cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets, are formed in the bone marrow from stem cells. These stem cells can develop into specialized cells, replacing dead cells. Blood cancer occurs when defects prevent normal cell maturation and death, leading to dysfunctional cells that multiply uncontrollably. This results in three main types of blood cancer: leukaemia, multiple myeloma, and malignant lymphoma. Treatment often involves stem cell transplantation to regenerate healthy blood cells.

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• To produce antibodies

• To fight infections

• To carry oxygen to the body's cells

• To help in blood clotting

Where are blood cells formed in the body?

• In the liver

• In the spleen

• In the bone marrow

• In the heart

What are stem cells often referred to as?

• Mother cells

• Daughter cells

• Immature cells

• Specialized cells

What happens when defects occur in the maturation process of blood cells?

• Cells become more efficient

• Cells die naturally

• Cells become resistant to diseases

• Immature or dysfunctional blood cells form

What are cancer cells unable to do?

• Crowd out healthy cells

• Multiply uncontrollably

• Carry out normal cell functions

• Enter the bloodstream

Which of the following is NOT a type of blood cancer?

• Leukemia

• Multiple myeloma

• Malignant lymphoma

• Hodgkin's disease

What is another name for malignant lymphoma?

• Cancer of the lymph nodes

• Liver cancer

• Bone marrow cancer

• Bloodstream cancer

How can blood cancer patients be treated?

• With surgery

• With stem cell transplantation

• With radiation therapy

• With chemotherapy

What is the purpose of a stem cell transplant in blood cancer treatment?

• To destroy cancer cells

• To regenerate the patient's bone marrow

• To increase white blood cell count

• To reduce symptoms of cancer

What does the term 'blood cancer' generally describe?

• A condition that only affects the elderly

• A disease affecting only red blood cells

• Various malignant diseases of the blood-forming system

• A single type of cancer