Blood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the millions of people worldwide affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. At Nihon Kohden, we believe that advancing diagnostics is one of the most powerful ways to support the fight against these conditions. Our innovative IVD solutions enable early detection, precise monitoring, and streamlined laboratory operations, helping clinicians provide the best possible care.

Understanding the Different Types of Blood Cancer

There are three main types of Blood Cancers that are frequently seen: leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. 

Leukemia originates in the bone marrow and involves the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy cells and impair immune function. It is classified into acute or chronic forms and by the type of white blood cell affected—lymphoid or myeloid. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is more common in children, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are more prevalent in older adults.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. It affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma, which is marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which includes a wide range of subtypes affecting B cells or T cells. 

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, another type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. These cells normally produce antibodies, but in myeloma, they become cancerous and produce ineffective antibodies while crowding out healthy cells. Multiple myeloma is more common in older adults and tends to affect multiple areas of the bone marrow, hence the name. 

Identifying the Different Blood Cancers

Each of these blood cancers have distinct characteristics, but all disrupt normal blood cell function and compromise the body's ability to fight infections. In order to differentiate between the types of cancer, it is important to identify the abnormal cells in a patient sample alongside physical signs and symptoms. 
Nihon Kohden’s hematology analyzer, the Celltac G+ MEK-9200 is designed to provide:

• Fast and accurate results for Complete Blood Count (CBC) and 6-part differential
• Advanced detection capabilities, flagging abnormal white blood cell distributions or blast cells
• Efficiency in identifying samples with abnormal results through the Smart ColoRack Match System

A Shared Mission

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is not only about raising awareness but also about reinforcing the importance of collaboration between patients, clinicians, and innovators. At Nihon Kohden, we are proud to contribute through advanced diagnostic solutions that improve workflows and support life-saving decisions. Together, we move closer toward a future where blood cancers are detected earlier and treated more effectively.