- Fight infections
- Transport oxygen
- Control bleeding
The Three Main Types of Blood Cancer:
- Leukemia – Begins in the bone marrow. Abnormal white blood cells grow rapidly and interfere with normal blood cell production.
- Lymphoma – Affects the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, etc.) and occurs when lymphocytes grow uncontrollably.
- Multiple Myeloma – A cancer of plasma cells that produce antibodies. Malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, damaging bones and suppressing normal blood cell production.
In Vietnam, blood cancer is one of the ten most common cancers. According to Globocan 2020, it ranks 7th, with nearly 6,300 new cases diagnosed annually. At the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion alone, around 1,500 new cases are recorded each year.
Warning Signs of Leukemia
Early detection is crucial. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue and pale skin – caused by anemia
- Easy bruising or bleeding – due to low platelet count
- Bone and joint pain – especially in the back and legs
- Frequent headaches – linked to poor oxygen supply to the brain
- Swollen lymph nodes – in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Abdominal pain and appetite loss – from cancerous spread
- High fever and infections – as the immune system weakens
- Unexplained weight loss – from cancer cells consuming nutrients
- Night sweats – sudden and excessive sweating during sleep
A Wake-Up Call for the Young
The 23-year-old girl in the viral clip should be living one of the brightest chapters of her life. Instead, she is battling an illness most people associate with old age. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder that cancer does not discriminate by age.
Young people often assume serious illnesses won’t affect them, but leukemia and other cancers can strike anyone. That’s why it is essential to build healthy habits early: regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, exercise, and awareness of warning signs.
Final Thought
The silent tears of this young woman have spoken louder than words. Her suffering has moved millions, reminding us all that health is fragile and precious. If there is one lesson from this heartbreaking story, it is this: take care of your body today, because tomorrow may be too late.
