Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Diseases Lifestyle
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 🎗️

Blood Cancer Awareness Month mobilizes support every September for the nearly 1.3 million people in the U.S. affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Engage with advocacy groups, share educational resources, and participate in fundraising events to advance research and improve patient outcomes.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe
Related

Expected Blood Cancer Awareness Month Deals

Throughout Blood Cancer Awareness Month, expect a surge in corporate social responsibility initiatives and fundraising drives. Many brands partner with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and Be The Match to host donation match programs, round-up-at-checkout campaigns, and limited-edition merchandise sales. Pharmaceutical companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb and AbbVie often highlight their research advancements and patient support programs. Retailers like Panera Bread may offer special items where a portion of proceeds benefits blood cancer research. Look for opportunities to contribute through employer-sponsored giving programs or by purchasing products from companies like T-Mobile that support health causes. We encourage you to visit the official websites of major blood cancer organizations for direct donation opportunities and verified campaigns.

Platform Guide for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth. Share professional insights on research advancements or workplace support initiatives.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth. Participate in live chats, share breaking news on treatments, and amplify patient stories.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth. Create a community fundraiser, share personal stories, or post educational infographics for your network.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month Hero

Dr. Sidney Farber

Often called the 'Father of Modern Chemotherapy,' Dr. Sidney Farber (1903–1973) was an American pathologist and pediatric oncologist. In 1947, he achieved the first temporary remission of childhood leukemia using aminopterin, revolutionizing cancer treatment. His work at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which he founded, laid the groundwork for countless advancements in oncology, offering hope to millions of blood cancer patients worldwide.

History of Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is crucial for increasing fundraising efforts and awareness on blood cancer. Since the mid-1970s, survival rates have increased by 25% as a result of this ongoing endeavor.

In 2010, Congress designated September as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Every month, an estimated 14,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer in the United States. Blood cancer has always remained a stubborn challenge, even after first-generation chemotherapy drugs were introduced in the mid-1950s. Prevention and early detection have always posed a gap in battling the disease; the first step to close this gap was when x-rays and radiation therapies were discovered in the early 20th century. Fortunately, advancements in technology and treatment procedures since then have been helpful in detecting the disease early, which is why the five-year survival rate for leukemia has quadrupled since the 1960s.

But these advancements and statistics are broad across the types of blood cancer, whereas the real numbers outside of these statistics are not so rosy. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is extremely deadly, and despite its growing survival rate, it is estimated that 20,140 deaths will still occur from the disease this year.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month timeline

1832

First Description of Lymphoma

British doctor Thomas Hodgkin publishes the first clinical description of lymphoma.

Early 20th Century

Early Prevention

New radiation discoveries such as x-rays make the first radiation therapies for lymphoma successful.

1949

The Leukemia Society

Troubled by the lack of effective treatments, Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers establish the Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation, which will later become the Leukemia Society.

1950s

The Disease Remains a Challenge

Research and efforts to find a cure for the disease remain a challenge.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month FAQs

When is Blood Cancer Awareness Month?

Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2026 runs throughout September, focusing on raising awareness and supporting those affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. It’s a crucial time for advocacy and fundraising efforts.

How many people are affected by blood cancer?

According to current estimates, nearly 1.3 million people in the United States are either in remission from or actively undergoing treatment for various forms of blood cancer. This significant number underscores the widespread impact of these diseases.

What are the main types of blood cancer?

The three primary types of blood cancer are leukemia, which affects the blood and bone marrow; lymphoma, which impacts the lymphatic system; and myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. Each type presents unique challenges and treatment pathways.

What is the significance of the red ribbon for blood cancer?

While a specific ‘blood cancer ribbon’ doesn’t exist, the color red is widely associated with blood cancer awareness. Many organizations and individuals wear red ribbons or clothing to symbolize solidarity and support for patients and research.

How To Observe Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Volunteer
Anyone can become a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) volunteer. Head over to their website and apply for one of the many opportunities for volunteering.
2. Participate in events
Get involved with local events or charitable fundraisers hosted by organizations.
3. Become an advocate
Advocacy is critical for the LLS. The more people know and the disease is talked about, the better.

5 Facts About Blood Cancer Worth Knowing

Blood cancer death toll
Someone in the United States dies from blood cancer approximately every nine minutes.
The projected figure for 2020
More than 58,640 leukemia-related deaths were expected in the U.S. in 2020.
Improved survival rates
According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 66% of people diagnosed with leukemia live five years or longer.
No screening tests
As of now, there are no effective screening programs for early detection.
Three main types of blood cancer
The three main types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphomas, and myeloma.

Why Blood Cancer Awareness Month is Important

Supports research
Blood Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness and increases the participation of affected people as well as volunteers in research. More research means a better understanding of the disease, and prevention and cure.
Supporting loved ones
We stand in solidarity with those who have loved ones affected by blood cancer, and the patients. In this challenging time, grief shared is grief halved.
Encourages early detection
Since the symptoms aren’t confirmed, blood cancer awareness month encourages people to get checkups done for possible signs of the disease, for early detection and treatment.