Leukemia – All Types: A cancer of the blood-forming organs characterized by large numbers of abnormal white cells which causes infections, anemia, and excessive bleeding. An estimated 1,100 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in Michigan this year (31,000 in the United States).

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A group of cancers which affect the lymphatic tissues. They involve the uncontrolled growth of cells, similar to leukemia. Approximately 1,850 people in Michigan will be diagnosed with lymphoma this year (53,400 in the United States).

Hodgkin’s Disease: A form of lymphoma with certain characteristics that distinguish it from non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. About 260 cases of Hodgkin’s disease will be diagnosed in Michigan this year (7,600 in the United States).

Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of the plasma cell, which is a type of white blood cell found primarily in the bone marrow. The malignant plasma cells multiply and destroy normal bone tissue, causing pain and crowding out normal cells. Approximately 500 people in Michigan will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma this year (14,600 in the United States).

Aplastic Anemia: A disease in which the bone marrow no longer produces blood cells, which is potentially malignant. About 35 people in Michigan will be diagnosed with aplastic anemia this year (1,000 in the United States).

Fanconi’s Anemia: A hereditary form of aplastic anemia with certain distinguishing characteristics, which is potentially malignant.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A potentially malignant disease in which bone marrow malfunctions result in a fewer number of blood cells made. About 30 percent of myelodysplastic syndromes turn into acute myelogenous leukemia. Approximately 200 people in Michigan will be diagnosed with this disorder this year (6,000 in the United States).

Myeloproliferative Disorders: Malignant or potentially malignant. Too many of certain types of blood cells are made in the bone marrow. These include:

• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Too many cells that are forming into white cells
• Polycythemia Vera: Too many red cells
• Myelofibrosis: Too many red cells and cells that are forming into white cells
• Essential Thrombocythemia: Too many platelets

Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia: A rare cancer that affects certain white blood cells that form in the bone marrow and lymph nodes.