In the UK, blood cancer holds the unfortunate position of being the fifth most prevalent type of cancer, impacting over 41,000 individuals each year. According to Blood Cancer UK, approximately 250,000 people in the UK are currently living with this diagnosis. Notably, one in every 16 men and one in every 22 women will develop blood cancer at some point in their lives, making it a significant health concern. It is also the most common form of childhood cancer. Despite its prevalence, awareness of the signs and symptoms that could indicate blood cancer remains limited.
Blood cancer typically arises from mutations in the DNA of blood cells, leading to abnormal cell behavior. These mutations are generally linked to factors beyond our control and occur during a person’s lifetime, meaning they are not inherited. There are over 100 different types of blood cancer, with the most common being leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. However, the term “blood cancer” also encompasses other conditions like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The diverse nature of blood cancer, with its numerous variations, makes it challenging to keep track of all the potential symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.
Fortunately, a comprehensive list of typical symptoms is available on the Blood Cancer UK website, helping individuals understand what to look out for. Some symptoms are more readily noticeable than others:
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Unexplained weight loss
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Unexplained bruising or bleeding
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Lumps or swellings
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Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
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Drenching night sweats
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Persistent, recurrent, or severe infections
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Unexplained fever (38C or above)
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Unexplained rash or itchy skin
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Pain in bones, joints, or abdomen (stomach area)
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Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep (fatigue)
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Paleness (pallor)
It’s crucial to remember that not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and some individuals may have symptoms that are not listed. Additionally, the appearance of certain symptoms can vary depending on skin tone.
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Bruises:
Generally, bruises begin as red patches that change color and darken over time, often feeling tender. On black and brown skin, bruises might be initially difficult to see, but as they develop, they appear darker than the surrounding skin.*
Rashes:
Rashes often manifest as clusters of tiny spots (petechiae) or larger blotches (purpura). On black and brown skin, they might appear purple or darker than the surrounding skin, while on lighter skin, they typically look red or purple. Petechiae and purpura don’t fade when pressed.*
Paleness (pallor):
Paleness can indicate a low red blood cell count. Pallor is more noticeable in light skin. Individuals with black or brown skin might appear greyish, with their palms looking paler than usual. They may also observe pallor in their lips, gums, tongue, or nail beds. Regardless of skin tone, pallor can be checked by gently pulling down the lower eyelid. The inside should normally be dark pink or red, but if it’s pale pink or white, it’s a sign of pallor.Blood cancers are classified as either acute or chronic. Acute refers to fast-growing cancers, while chronic indicates slower growth. Common treatments for blood cancer include:
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Chemotherapy
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Targeted therapies
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Immunotherapy
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Radiotherapy
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Stem cell transplants
It’s essential to understand that most people experiencing the symptoms described above will not have blood cancer. However, it’s vital to determine the cause of any unexplained symptoms. If you have a single unexplained symptom, schedule an appointment with your GP. If you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, seek immediate medical help by calling 999 or going to the emergency room (A&E). Early detection and prompt medical intervention are crucial for successful treatment and improving outcomes for individuals with blood cancer.
