.png?v=9002727f8abdbd09dfc2e9d6d52dcd71)
Blood Cancer Day - Raising Awareness and Driving Change
Blood Cancer Day
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.
What is Blood Cancer?
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
These cancers disrupt the normal production and function of blood cells, weakening the immune system and the body’s ability to carry oxygen, clot blood, or fight infections.
The Global Impact
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.
Behind Every Statistic is a Story
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.”Purpose, Resilience, and the Power of Research
At ICON, many of our colleagues are personally connected to the work they do in oncology research.
Ming Jing, Senior Project Manager in Oncology, shares her story of supporting a close friend who has been living with blood cancer for over three years.
The Role of Clinical Research
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
Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment
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.How You Can Help
- 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
Sign up for post alerts
ICON & You
The potential of together.
Careers that improve the lives of patients, our clients and each other. Are you ready to make a difference?
View jobsRelated jobs at ICON
Salary
Location
Hungary
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Hungary
Remote Working
Home-Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
As a CRA you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.• Identify, select, initiate and closeout appropriate investig
Reference
2025-120811
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Orsolya BerkeAuthor
Orsolya BerkeSalary
Location
United Kingdom, Spain, Poland
Department
Clinical Trial Management
Location
Poland
Spain
UK
Remote Working
Home-Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Trial Management
Job Type
Permanent
Description
As a Clinical Trial Manager you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.
Reference
2025-120278
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Rajvir SamraAuthor
Rajvir SamraSalary
Location
India, Chennai
Department
Full Service - Corporate Support
Location
Chennai
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Accounting & Finance
Job Type
Contractor
Description
We are now hiring Investigator Payment Associate in Chennai location and looking for highly dynamic and professionally sound aspirants like you. The role: • To support the Investigator Payments team w
Reference
JR131911
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Puja JaiswalAuthor
Puja JaiswalSalary
Location
China, Beijing
Department
Full Service - Development & Commercialisation Solutions
Location
Beijing
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Analyst
Job Type
Permanent
Description
Job Description:Recognize, exemplify and adhere to ICON's values which center around our commitment to People, Clients and Performance.As a member of staff, the employee is expected to embrace and con
Reference
JR130479
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Jessica ZhongAuthor
Jessica ZhongRelated stories
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/07/2025
Summary
Precision at the Outset: The Strategic Role of Site Selection and Activation in Clinical Trials The success of any clinical trial begins well before the first patient is enrolled. Behind every sit
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/04/2025
Summary
Cybersecurity in Clinical Data Management In clinical research, data is both a vital asset and a significant responsibility. As trials become increasingly digitised and decentralised, the protectio
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/03/2025
Summary
Finding the Specialisation for You Clinical research is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field that brings together scientific innovation, operational rigour and patient-centric thinking. While many
Recently viewed jobs
Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.
At ICON, our employees are our greatest strength. That’s why we are committed to empowering you to live your best life, both inside and outside of work. Whether your ambition is lead a global team, become a deep scientific or technical expert, work in-house with our customers or gain experience in a variety of different ICON functions, we will support you in realising your full potential. See all locations Learn more about Our Culture at ICON