Around 40,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with blood cancer each year, and it has the third-highest mortality rate of any cancer. Despite this, just 1% of Brits say they’re “very confident” in recognising the symptoms.
This is why Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Director of Midland Health, is sharing her expert guide on blood cancer, including the symptoms, when to seek medical advice, and why early diagnosis is so important.
Knowing the symptoms
While symptoms of blood cancer can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of cancer, some of the most common signs to look out for include:
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
“One of the most common symptoms of blood cancer is unexplained bruises. This is because blood cancer reduces the number of healthy platelets in the blood. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, so any small bumps or even no injury at all may cause bleeding under the skin. Bruises may appear in unexpected areas, such as the hands, and they will feel tender. On darker skin, bruises may be difficult to see initially, but look out, particularly, for any discolouration or darker patches.”
Unexplained weight loss
“Weight loss with no apparent cause is generally the most noticeable sign of cancer. It happens because cancer cells make the body unable to absorb fats, proteins, and carbs from food. Calories will then be burned faster, leading to weight loss.”
Frequent, severe infections
“Blood cancer also affects the body’s production of healthy white blood cells, which are a main defence against germs. Because of this, it’s hard for the body to fight infections, so longer, more frequent, and more severe illnesses can be a common sign of blood cancer. Any infections more intense than what’s normal for you should be treated as soon as possible, as they can become life-threatening if they’re a sign of blood cancer.”
Bloating
“Bloating is also a common sign of blood cancer. Bloating can have multiple causes, including white blood cells or fluid buildup in the organs, leading to enlargement and bloating.”
Paleness
“Pallor is an unnatural paleness of the skin caused by reduced blood flow and is most noticeable on the face and palms. Blood cancer causes pallor due to a lack of red blood cells, known as anaemia. For people with darker skin, pallor will be more subtle, often manifesting on the tongue or gums as a more greyish tone. To check for pallor, I’d recommend pulling the lower eyelid down and looking at the colour. If it’s pale pink or white, it’s a clear sign of pallor.”
Joint pain
“Another worrying sign to look out for is unexplained joint pain. Blood cancer cells accumulate in the joints, leading to swelling and pain, and in the bone marrow, causing it to expand and cause discomfort. The pain is most frequently felt in the bones of the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. It’s often described as a dull ache or sharp stabbing pain.”
Lumps or swelling
“As white blood cells accumulate in the lymph nodes, spleen, or liver, they can cause lumps. When the cells fail to die or multiply, they can also cause swelling, most commonly in the neck, armpits, or groin. These swellings are often painless but can cause discomfort.”
Night sweats
“Night sweats, especially when you haven’t had them before, are a key symptom to look out for. It happens as the body fights off the disease, leading to an increased internal temperature and an inflammatory response. As the body’s temperature regulation is disrupted, excessive sweating may occur as the body tries to cool down.”
When to seek advice
“If you experience any symptoms for more than two weeks, I recommend seeing your GP as soon as you can to rule out anything sinister. After all, if it is cancer, the sooner it’s detected, the sooner treatment can start. Early detection is crucial, with survival rates exceeding 80-90% when blood cancer is detected in stage 1.”
