What is blood cancer?

Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is a type of malignant clonal disease originating from hematopoietic stem cells. It is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, impaired differentiation, and inhibited apoptosis of leukemia cells, causing them to arrest at various stages of cellular development. These abnormal cells accumulate extensively in the bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues, infiltrate non-hematopoietic tissues and organs, and simultaneously suppress normal hematopoietic function. Leukemia accounts for approximately 5% of all malignant tumors. The disease predominantly affects children and young adults. Based on the degree of cellular differentiation and maturation, as well as the natural course of the disease, leukemia can be classified into two major categories: acute and chronic. Diagnosis of blood cancer mainly relies on blood tests, peripheral blood smear examinations, and bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.