Department of Personnel

Cancer that begins in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system is called blood cancer. Every three minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer; more than 1.3 million Americans are living with or in remission from a blood cancer. Although they are the 3rd leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S., many people don't know the impact of the blood cancers -- leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Despite more than $1.2 billion in cancer research, with groundbreaking results, more than 1/3 of blood cancer patients still do not survive five years after diagnosis.

You can help raise awareness of blood cancer this month. "Blood Cancer Awareness Month." For more information, visit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society web site at www.lls.org .

Factors That are Known to Increase the Risk of Cancer

Cigarette Smoking and Tobacco Use

- Scientists believe that cigarette smoking causes about 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States.

Infections

- Certain viruses and bacteria are able to cause cancer. Examples of cancer-causing viruses and bacteria include human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk for cancers of the cervix, and hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses that increase the risk for liver cancer.

Radiation

- Being exposed to radiation is a known cause of cancer. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Factors That May Affect the Risk of Cancer

Diet

- The foods that you eat on a regular basis make up your diet. Diet is being studied as a risk factor for cancer.

Alcohol

- Studies have shown that drinking alcohol is linked to an increased risk of developing cancers like liver, oral and breast cancers.

Physical Activity 

- Studies show that people who are physically active have a lower risk of certain cancers than those who are not.

Obesity

- Studies show that obesity is linked to a higher risk of cancer.

Environmental Risk Factors

- Being exposed to chemicals and other substances in the environment has been linked to some cancers. Links between air pollution and cancer risk have been found. These include links between lung cancer and secondhand tobacco smoke, outdoor air pollution and asbestos.

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