Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. This occurs due to genetic mutations—changes in genetic material that trigger rapid cell growth and division, leading to malignancy.

All types of cancer result from genetic mutations, including blood cancer. Blood cancer is a malignancy that attacks blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow and lymph nodes. Some of these mutations are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down from parents to their children.

Here are three types of blood cancer that can be inherited genetically:

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is a blood cancer caused by mutations in white blood cells, leading to an overproduction of these cells. Mutated white blood cells attack healthy cells and disrupt the production of red blood cells. Symptoms include nosebleeds, easy bruising, red spots on the skin, anemia, weight loss, and fever. Types of leukemia that can be inherited include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma affects lymphocytes and causes swelling of the lymph nodes. Symptoms include fever, cough, itchy skin, weight loss, and shortness of breath. Types of lymphoma that can be inherited include Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

3. Myeloma

Myeloma is caused by the abnormal growth of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. These mutations disrupt the production of red blood cells and cause symptoms such as weakened immunity and kidney problems. Inheritable types of myeloma include multiple myeloma and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Author: Dr. Eriza Dwi Indah Lestari (Medical Service Doctor, PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Jl. Bambang Sugeng No. A2, Magelang)