We’ve all been there, feeling constantly drained, getting random fevers, or just feeling “off” for weeks. Most of us brush it off as stress, a lack of sleep, or just something that will pass. But what if those small symptoms are your body’s way of signalling something more serious? We got in touch with an expert who shares how these symptoms could be early signs of blood cancer.
“People often come in complaining of fatigue, minor fevers, or weight loss, thinking it’s just stress or ageing. They don’t realise these could be early signs of blood cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma,” says Dr. Dinesh Bhurani, Director, Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.
Other signs like night sweats, shortness of breath during simple activities, easy bruising, frequent infections, or bleeding gums are also commonly ignored until they start affecting daily life. “If something feels unusual for your body and it doesn’t go away in a couple of weeks, don’t delay, get it checked,” Dr. Bhurani urges.
Expert debunks common myths of blood cancer
Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, blood cancers remain one of the most misunderstood forms of cancer. Myths and misinformation often delay diagnosis and cause unnecessary fear. Dr. Bhurani busts some of the most common myths with facts.
Myth 1: If it doesn’t run in your family, you’re safe.
Fact: Most people diagnosed with blood cancer don’t have a family history. “Genetics can be a factor, but lifestyle, environment, age, and even infections are often bigger contributors,” says Dr. Bhurani. That’s why everyone, regardless of family history, should be aware of warning signs and go for health screenings.
Myth 2: Only medicines can fight cancer.
Fact: Sometimes, your own blood becomes your best medicine.
With innovations like CAR T-cell therapy, doctors can now reprogram a patient’s own immune cells to hunt and destroy cancer. It’s like training your body to recognise and eliminate cancer if it returns.
“CAR T-cell therapy is a living drug. It stays in the body for years, ready to fight if cancer comes back,” explains Dr. Bhurani.
Myth 3: If chemotherapy fails, there’s no hope.
Fact: CAR T-cell therapy offers new hope for those who don’t respond to standard treatment. Particularly for adults with relapsed or difficult-to-treat B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL), CAR T therapy has shown life-saving results.
Myth 4: It weakens your immune system.
Fact: It actually strengthens it. Unlike chemotherapy, which wipes out both cancer and healthy cells, CAR T therapy is smarter. “We’re training immune cells to fight more precisely,” says Dr. Bhurani.
Myth 5: It’s just another type of medicine.
Fact: It’s highly personalised. CAR T-cell therapy isn’t mass-produced. It’s custom-made from your own immune cells. “No two treatments are alike; it’s tailored for each patient,” explains Dr. Bhurani.
Myth 6: Bone marrow transplant is always needed.
Fact: Not anymore. While bone marrow transplants remain vital in many cases, CAR T-cell therapy is offering a new option for those who either can’t undergo or didn’t benefit from a transplant. It doesn’t replace older treatments but adds more tools to the fight.
Myth 7: Cancer treatment means long hospital stays.
Fact: CAR T-cell therapy can offer shorter recovery times. “In many cases, patients recover faster and spend less time in the hospital compared to traditional chemo,” Dr. Bhurani points out.
Myth 8: Advanced treatment isn’t available in India.
Fact: India is now a leader in CAR T-cell therapy. With the country’s first global CAR T-cell therapy launched, cutting-edge treatment is no longer out of reach. “World-class care is now available right here in India,” says Dr. Bhurani.
Myth 9: Side effects are always severe.
Fact: Side effects vary and are manageable. Like any powerful treatment, CAR T can have side effects, like fever, low blood pressure, or fatigue. But with proper medical care, most are temporary and treated early. Serious reactions like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) are closely monitored.
“Trained teams manage side effects carefully. Patients are never left alone in this process,” reassures Dr. Bhurani.
Myth 10: Superfoods can prevent or cure cancer.
Fact: A healthy diet supports your body, but there’s no miracle food.
While foods high in antioxidants are great for your health, they can’t prevent or cure cancer. “Cancer is complex. It’s influenced by more than just food,” says Dr. Bhurani. A healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are far more important.
Listen to Your Body
Fatigue, breathlessness, or night sweats may seem harmless, but they can be early warnings your body is giving you. Don’t ignore symptoms that linger. And if diagnosed, know that there are more options and more hope than ever before. “Blood cancer is not a death sentence,” says Dr. Bhurani. “With early detection and the right treatment, many patients go on to live full, healthy lives.”
