JUMP TO CONTENT
Blood cancer red ribbon and blood in test tube

Blood Cancer Day - Raising Awareness and Driving Change

Posting date: 29/05/2025
Author: Inside ICON

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: 

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:

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.”

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

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.

List #1

Related jobs at ICON

Senior CRA

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

Orsolya Berke

Author

Orsolya Berke
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Clinical Trial Manager - Expanded Access Programs

Salary

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

Rajvir Samra

Author

Rajvir Samra
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Investigator Payment Associate - Contract (1 year)

Salary

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

Puja Jaiswal

Author

Puja Jaiswal
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Validation Analyst I

Salary

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

Jessica Zhong

Author

Jessica Zhong
Read more Shortlist Save this role
View all
List #1

Related stories

Two medics at ICON clinical research clinic
The Strategic Role of Site Selection and Activation in Clinical Trials

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish 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

Teaser label

Explore the critical role of site selection and activation in clinical trials.

Read more
3 x Digital padlocks
The Role of Cybersecurity in Clinical Data Management

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish 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

Teaser label

Learn about the critical role cybersecurity plays in an increasingly digital research environment.

Read more
Stethoscope on paper
Specialisations in Clinical Research: Finding Your Niche

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish 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

Teaser label

Explore the diverse specialisations in clinical research, from clinical operations to data management, regulatory affairs, and beyond.

Read more
View all
List #1

Recently viewed jobs

View Jobs

Browse popular job categories below or search all jobs above