Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma – blood cancers encompass over a hundred different diseases that affect the bone marrow, the lymphatic system, or blood cells. These cancers, while individually complex, collectively represent a significant public health concern.
In France, an estimated 45,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, according to data from Santé publique France and the National Cancer Institute, accounting for nearly one in ten cancers. Globally, more than 1.3 million new cases are diagnosed annually.
Despite these high numbers, these diseases remain largely unknown to the general public. Pr Hervé Guesquières, head of the adult hematology department at Lyon-Sud University Hospital, explains why they appear to be more frequent today, how to detect them, and how to improve treatment.
Is France Experiencing a Resurgence in Blood Cancers?
Epidemiological data suggests an increase in the incidence of blood cancers starting around the year 2000, with a exceptionally significant rise. Currently, the incidence appears to be stabilizing. In total, France sees approximately 45,000 new patients with blood cancers each year, a number comparable to the incidence of solid cancers like lung cancer, which affects around 53,000 people annually in France.
Are the Reasons for This Increase the Same as for Other Cancers?
Very likely. There isn’t a well-defined cause. Initially, increases in incidence were thought to be due to improved diagnostics and screening, as noted in previous increases in incidence.
Today, there’s a strong feeling that environmental factors are playing a role. These diseases affect the immune system, and the interaction between the environment and the immune system can likely contribute to the development of blood cancers. Numerous epidemiological studies, though challenging to conduct, tend to support this idea.
We find several potential explanations for the increasing incidence of blood cancers.
What are the Main Types of Blood Cancer?
Blood cancers are very diverse and complex. Lymphomas are the most common, with 18,000 new patients each year in France, followed by myelomas and myelodysplastic syndromes, which are less frequent.
Why is it Referred to as a “Silent Epidemic”?
For the general public, our patients, and even medical students, blood cancers are difficult to grasp. It’s hard to identify with these types of cancers and visualize them. This sense of invisibility stems from the fact that these cancers affect the blood, the entire lymphatic system, and the bone marrow.
These are not cancers of specific organs, like breast or lung cancer, which are more easily visualized. We likely need to improve education and explanation regarding these complex diseases.
What Symptoms Should Raise Awareness?
By their nature, blood cancers are complicated. Doctors may be alerted by certain clinical signs, such as an enlarged lymph node, or abnormal blood test results. The most crucial thing is to recognize the signs and seek medical advice.
At Lyon-Sud Hospital, for example, there is a hotline available to answer questions from referring physicians every afternoon. The goal is to provide a second opinion and, if necessary, see patients quickly to assess the problem and determine the next steps, including further hematological evaluation, specialized care, or management by the primary care physician.
Are These Cancers Well-Treated Today?
Prognoses vary greatly depending on the type of blood cancer. There are very high cure rates for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, often diagnosed in younger patients. Chronic myeloid leukemia is also well-controlled. There are also intermediate prognoses, such as aggressive B-cell lymphomas, where 60 to 70% of patients can be cured…
Though, significant therapeutic challenges remain, particularly for acute leukemias, which often require aggressive treatment to achieve remission.
What are the Most Notable Advances in Recent Years?
There have been significant therapeutic innovations in blood cancers. We’ve moved from an era of heavy chemotherapy to targeted therapies, often oral.
Immunotherapy is also showing excellent results, with first-generation monoclonal antibodies and now second-generation antibodies known as bispecific antibodies. Cell therapies, such as CAR-T cells for lymphomas and myelomas, are also emerging, and are now being tested in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.
We are clearly in an era of therapeutic innovation, which challenges us, as healthcare providers, to adapt and support patients with these new treatment approaches.
Decent TO KNOW
Lyon-Sud Hospital (Hospices Civils de Lyon), which has developed strong expertise in hematology, hosted the immersive traveling exhibition Journey to the Heart of Blood in February 2026. This interactive and educational presentation on the different blood cancers (lymphomas, myelomas, leukemias) travels to various university hospitals in France (Paris in 2024, Rennes in 2025) with the support of various patient associations (Laurette Fugain, ELKLyE, AF3M).
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