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

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