Introduction
Blood cancers are a diverse group of diseases that affect the cells in our bone marrow and blood. In an interview with Lifestyle ao Minuto, Dr. Guilherme Sapinho shed light on several widespread myths and the real facts behind them. The key takeaway is clear: blood cancers vary greatly, and advances in hematology are expanding options for patients, with outcomes that are far from hopeless for many.
Myth 1: There is only one type of blood cancer
Reality: Blood cancers are a broad umbrella, spanning diseases that can be highly aggressive to those that progress slowly. Acute leukemias and aggressive lymphomas may require rapid treatment, sometimes within days, while indolent lymphomas and some myeloproliferative disorders can evolve over years and may be monitored rather than treated immediately. The bone marrow is the factory for blood cells, and mutations at the DNA level can drive malignant behavior across different cell lines. Risk factors include certain exposures (radiation, benzene, solvents, pesticides) and, rarely, inherited predispositions.
Key point
Classification matters: not all blood cancers behave the same, so treatment decisions are highly individualized.
Myth 2: Patients should avoid sugar and red meat during treatment
The diet myth persists, but evidence does not support restrictive eating as a means to improve survival. While cancer cells do rely on sugar, simply cutting sugar has not proven to benefit patients with blood cancers. Similarly, while red meat has been linked to some cancers, the link to blood cancers is not consistent. Diet should be varied, balanced, and tailored to the patient’s energy and nutrient needs, especially to cope with demanding therapies. Some dietary restrictions may be advised to manage drug interactions or reduce infection risk, and these should be discussed with the care team on a case-by-case basis.
Key point
Nutrition should support recovery and quality of life, not rely on blanket restrictions.
Myth 3: Patients with blood cancer cannot live at home, work, or maintain routines
Treatment types differ widely. Some regimens are oral and can be taken at home, others require clinic visits, and some are more intensive and may require hospital stays. Daily routines, including work, can often continue with adjustments based on energy levels and infection risk. The exact needs vary by disease type, treatment intensity, and individual tolerance—so planning with the medical team is essential.
Key point
Healthy routine and work life can be maintained or adapted, depending on treatment and symptom burden.
Myth 4: Blood cancer is always fatal
Not true. Two outcomes are important: cure and long-term survival with good quality of life. Some blood cancers can be cured, even aggressive forms like certain leukemias, while others allow for prolonged survival with ongoing therapy or monitoring. The field of hematology has seen rapid advances, with more treatment options becoming available, improving prognosis for many patients.
Key point
Hope is not misplaced: outcomes depend on disease type, stage, and available therapies.
Myth 5: All patients with blood cancer need a bone marrow transplant
Transplantation is not universally indicated. Autologous transplants (patient’s own cells) are common in some diseases like multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas, while allogeneic transplants (donor cells) are more typical for some acute leukemias. The decision hinges on balancing risks and benefits, patient fitness, and disease behavior. Many patients are treated effectively without a transplant.
Key point
Transplant is just one option among many, not a mandatory step for all.
Myth 6: Blood cancer is solely hereditary and unpreventable
Genetic mutations play a role, but most blood cancers arise from acquired changes in the DNA rather than inherited ones. A minority of cases carry familial risk, necessitating closer surveillance. Prevention is limited, but reducing exposure to certain risks (radiation, pesticides, solvents) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial. Early symptom awareness remains crucial.
Key point
While heredity can influence some cases, most prevention relies on minimizing exposures and monitoring symptoms.
Myth 7: Vitamins and supplements prevent blood cancer
Extensive studies have not shown that multivitamins or specific supplements reliably prevent blood cancers. While a well-rounded diet is important, supplements should not be used with the expectation of cancer prevention unless advised by a clinician.
Key point
Rely on evidence-based guidance rather than supplements for cancer prevention.
Myth 8: A single blood test is enough to detect blood cancer
Symptoms can be non-specific—fever, fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, abnormal bleeding or bruising. Blood tests often raise suspicion, but definitive diagnosis typically requires additional imaging (CT or PET scans), and bone marrow biopsy with genetic testing. The diagnostic process usually involves multiple tests to confirm the specific cancer type and guide treatment.
Key point
Diagnosis is a stepwise process, not a one-test conclusion.
Conclusion
The landscape of blood cancers is complex but increasingly hopeful. Dr. Sapinho emphasizes that hematology has evolved rapidly, offering more personalized and effective options. Patients should engage openly with their medical team to understand the disease, realistic goals, and the best treatment plan for their situation.
