Blood Cancers and Disorders

Blood cancers and disorders include cancers of the leukemias, both Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, AIDS-related lymphomas, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders.

The following are resources from the National Cancer Institute for those cancers:

Resources and Support

Here are some helpful blood cancer and disorder resources, including support groups, printed and online support materials, and telephone hotlines.

  • International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) supports education, treatment, and research for multiple myeloma. They provide a toll-free hotline, seminars, and educational materials for patients and their families. Although the IMF does not sponsor support groups, they do keep a list of other organizations’ support groups and provide information on how to start a support group.
  • The International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF) provides support and information to people with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (WM) and their families. The IWMF also encourages and supports increased WM research. The IWMF offers publications, including a quarterly newsletter and bulletins. Through its Internet Talklist, regional support groups, and telephone Lifeline Project, the Foundation also helps people with WM contact others with this disease. People may also participate in the IWMF’s annual Educational Forum to hear prominent researchers and other speakers, and to share their experiences with other participants.
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society supports medical research and provides health education materials, as well as the following services: patient financial aid for specified treatment expenses and transportation, family support groups, First Connection (a professionally supervised peer support program), referrals, school re-entry materials, and public and professional education.
  • Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) funds research, advocates for lymphoma-related legislation, and provides educational and support programs for patients and their families.
  • Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) supports research grants and professional and patient symposia on multiple myeloma and related blood cancers. The MMRF publishes a quarterly newsletter, and provides referrals and information packets free of charge to patients and family members.

For additional cancer information, see the general cancer Support section of this Web site or call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.