Blood Cancer Day - Raising Awareness and Driving Change

Blood Cancer Day is a powerful reminder of the millions of individuals and families whose lives are affected by hematological malignancies every year. These diseases are complex, often aggressive, and can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. Observing this day is an opportunity to reflect, to raise awareness, and to recognise the researchers, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and advocates who are united in the fight against blood cancer. 

At ICON, we are proud to be part of this global effort, working at the intersection of science and compassion to bring life-changing therapies to those who need them most. For many of our colleagues, the work is deeply personal.

Blood cancer, also known as hematological cancer, refers to a group of malignancies that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. The three main types are:

• Leukemia, which affects the blood and bone marrow 
• Lymphoma, which impacts the lymphatic system 
• Myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow 

The burden of blood cancer is significant. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer approximately every three minutes. In 2024 alone, an estimated 186,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. That accounts for nearly 10 percent of all new cancer cases in the country. 

Globally, the statistics are equally sobering: 

• Over 1.2 million people worldwide are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer each year 
• Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens, yet also affects adults 
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the top ten most common cancers globally 
• Multiple myeloma, while less common, remains incurable for many and is often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms 

Despite these figures, many people are still unaware of the signs and symptoms of blood cancer, which can often be mistaken for less serious conditions. Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain are just a few of the early indicators.

For many working in oncology, the drive to develop new treatments is rooted in personal experience. At ICON, that mission is deeply embodied by individuals like Todd Luttrell, Director of Oncology Research and Development. He shares:

“Losing a cherished family member to a hematological cancer proved to be a watershed moment in my life. When you watch someone that you care about so deeply deteriorate – despite every effort, every treatment, and endless amounts of hope – it truly breaks your heart, and yet, also galvanizes your resolve for being part of the solution.”

Todd’s story is one that echoes across families and communities worldwide. He continues:

“I recognize that my personal experience is not a stand-alone and experienced by countless other families every single day – but is also a stark reminder to me how devastating these diseases can be, not only for those afflicted but also for everyone who loves them.”

His testimonial highlights something that numbers can never fully express: the emotional toll that blood cancer takes on individuals and families. The sense of helplessness. The hope for more effective treatments. The urgency to find a cure.

“I hold a role in the drug development space where I have the privilege – and the responsibility – to push forward promising therapies that can change the outcomes for so many lives. For me, it is not just about the cutting-edge science or the data, but more about the people behind each of those statistics.”

Research and clinical trials are the lifeblood of progress in the treatment of hematological cancers. Over the past two decades, there have been significant advances in understanding the biology of these diseases. This has led to the development of:

• Targeted therapies, which home in on specific genetic mutations in cancer cells 
• CAR-T cell therapies, which engineer a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer 
• Immunotherapies, which harness the immune system to attack malignant cells 
• Precision medicine, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment plans

While these innovations offer hope, the reality is that many blood cancers remain difficult to treat, especially in relapsed or refractory cases. Access to clinical trials can be a lifeline, offering patients cutting-edge treatment options when standard therapies fall short.

That is why ICON’s work in oncology is so vital. We partner with biopharma organisations to design and execute trials that are patient-focused, efficient, and scientifically robust. Every trial represents a step forward, and every patient who participates contributes to a broader journey toward better outcomes.

As Todd puts it:

“With each clinical trial that I am fortunate to be a part of, a singular theme resonates within my approach to the patients in their journey – knowing that access to life altering therapies can make a difference. This mantra drives my commitment toward being a small part of broader community researching a cure – to ideally ensure that one day, those diagnosed with hematological cancers can be effectively treated and continue living without a worry in the world.”

Blood Cancer Day is about visibility, but also about action. It is a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, increased research funding, and the critical role of collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.

At ICON, we are committed to supporting the discovery and development of life-changing treatments. But more than that, we are committed to the people behind the science — the patients, families, and colleagues whose courage and perseverance inspire everything we do.

By raising awareness, sharing stories like Todd’s, and investing in research, we can move closer to a future where blood cancers are no longer life-defining. A future where treatments are not only effective, but accessible. A future where hope is not the exception, but the expectation.

• Learn the symptoms of blood cancers and encourage early testing and diagnosis 
• Support organisations working to fund research, patient services, and advocacy 
• Consider participation in clinical trials, if eligible, or help raise awareness about trial opportunities
• Share stories that break stigma and build community among those affected

Blood Cancer Day is one day, but the work continues every day. Together, through compassion, innovation, and collective resolve, we can honour those we’ve lost, support those still fighting, and change the future for those yet to be diagnosed.