Over half of UK adults can’t name a single symptom of blood cancer

News - 7 February 2023

Despite blood cancer being the fifth most common cancer and most common childhood cancer, levels of symptom awareness remains low.
Blood Cancer UK have found that over 50% of adults in the UK can not name a single symptom of blood cancer. Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are ALL types of blood cancer. Each have different symptoms, treatments and prognoses.

Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer, whether it's leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, MPN or any other blood cancer.

Blood cancer symptoms include:

  • Weight loss that is unexplained
  • Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained
  • Lumps or swellings
  • Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe
  • Fever (38°C or above) that is unexplained
  • Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained
  • Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area)
  • Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep (fatigue)
  • Paleness (pallor)

More information on symptoms 

Worried about blood cancer?

Most people who have symptoms won’t have blood cancer. But it's important to find out what’s causing them.

If you have just one symptom that you can't explain, book an appointment with your GP. If you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, get medical help straight away by calling 999 or going to A&E.

You can order the free blood cancer symptoms guide, fill it in, and book a GP appointment.

Read more from on Cancer and seek support at: Blood Cancer UK

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