Blood cancer red flags you should take seriously – including repeat symptom

Around 10,000 Brits are diagnosed with leukaemia every year in the UK, but only 14% of Brits know the warning signs of the illness. Charities are urging Scots to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of leukaemia, which remains little understood despite being one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Leukaemia is a blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow and creates abnormal blood cells – usually white ones. These abnormal cells are not fully developed, leaving sufferers with too few, too many, or faulty blood cells. The condition can be easy to spot, with its most common symptoms including fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding, and repeated infections.

Because of the lack of awareness surrounding the disease, it is often diagnosed too late. In fact, 37% of leukaemia diagnoses happen in A&E once patients’ symptoms have become acute. Unfortunately, 5,000 people die as a result of the cancer each year, according to Leukaemia UK.

Experts point to repeat infections as the most common sign of leukaemia, but a recent survey found that only nine percent of Scots associated this complaint with the disease. Other indicators of the disease include fatigue, bruising, and unusual bleeding. Despite these symptoms, 48% of Scots were unaware that any of these could signal cancer.

There are many different forms of leukaemia, each with varying symptoms depending on the type of blood cell affected and the speed of progression. Common signs include aching joints, shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss.

In positive news, two new drugs to treat blood cancer have been approved by the NHS in Scotland, giving sufferers hope for improved treatment options. More information on spotting leukaemia symptoms can be found on the Spot Leukaemia website.

Experts stress the importance of recognising red flags early on to improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

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In summary, the article highlights the importance of recognising the signs of leukaemia, a blood cancer that affects thousands of Brits annually. Despite its seriousness, awareness of the symptoms remains low, leading to late diagnoses and preventable deaths. By familiarising themselves with the warning signs and seeking early medical attention, individuals can improve their chances of survival. The recent approval of new treatment drugs by the NHS in Scotland brings hope for better outcomes for those battling this disease.