by Lou Ann Donovan
National Blood Cancer Awareness Month is an annual event created by Congress in September 2010 to bring awareness to diseases of the blood, including chronic blood cancers known as Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs). Every three minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) blood cancer occurs when the body makes too many white or red blood cells, platelets, or scar tissue forms in the bone marrow.
MPNs are a group of blood cancers that are not widely known. They include:
Polycythemia Vera (PV)
Myelofibrosis (MF)
Essential Thrombocythemia (ET)
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Be proactive and be your own advocate by asking questions from your healthcare team, get annual checkups, regular CBCs (a complete blood count) and maintain records of your lab work and appointment discussions.
If you are a healthy individual, be sure to ask your physician for a CBC during your annual exam. By detecting any disease in its early stages, it’s easier to treat. Talk to your healthcare provider for personal recommended screenings including genetic testing if you have a blood cancer.
How to Spread Awareness About MPN Blood Cancer
Help us continue to raise awareness, MPN Awareness Day is September 14th this year (2023).
Use your voice and share your personal story online to inspire others on their MPN journeys. Feel free to share this article on your social media pages to raise awareness about MPN blood cancer.
SEPTEMBER IS MPN BLOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Symptoms of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms may include (here’s a few):
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Headaches
- Bone, joint pain
- Dizziness
- Problems concentrating
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Enlarged spleen
PLEASE SHARE and Raise Awareness of MPN Blood Cancers, thank you!
