Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2024

News - 9 September 2024

This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Blood Cancer UK are launching a landmark new report- Taking blood cancer out of the shadows: A plan to increase survival in the UK, that exposes how blood cancer survival in the UK is being overshadowed by other countries.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is a global event helping to raise awareness of one of the world’s most prevalent and dangerous cancers: blood cancer.

Raising awareness of blood cancer, its signs and symptoms and its impact, will help to improve early diagnosis as well as help everyone with blood cancer feel connected and heard. 

Taking blood cancer out of the shadows: A plan to increase survival in the UK Report. 

Blood Cancer UK found by improving data collection, engaging communities, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for people with blood cancer, we can make sure everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to access optimal care.

Read the full report at: Blood_Cancer_Action_Plan_Report_2024_c2hJlwI.pdf (cdn.ngo)

About blood cancers

Every day children and adults are diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition. The cause of blood cancers is unknown. These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning. Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.

A diagnosis of a blood cancer can have far-reaching consequences. A diagnosis can change a person’s life overnight and has a huge impact on the patients, their family, friends and their income.

Blood cancer symptoms

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)

Some symptoms look different in different skin tones.

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.

Blood Cancer UK Support line: 

If you want to talk to someone, contact the trained blood cancer Support Service. 

0808 2080 888

support@bloodcancer.org.uk

You might also be interested in

Mouth Cancer Action logo - A blue looped ribbon with the words Mouth Cancer Action to the right.

Mouth Cancer Action Month 2024

Taking place throughout November, Mouth Cancer Action Month is the UK's biggest charity campaign for mouth cancer awareness.

The event aims to raise awareness of mouth cancer and share the important message of being mouthaware.
News
'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' White ribbon.

Let Go of the Labels this Lung Cancer Awareness Month

This November, it’s time to Let Go of the Labels so people are diagnosed sooner.
Stop thinking about whether someone has smoked or not. Lung cancer can affect anyone – regardless of smoking.
News
'Pancreatic cancer Awareness' purple ribbon.

Raising awareness of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, but knowing the symptoms can lead to an earlier diagnosis and save lives. Learn about the signs and symptoms this November during Pancreatic Awareness Month.
News