Each year, approximately 40,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with blood cancer, a disease with the third-highest mortality rate among cancers. Despite this, only about 1% of UK residents feel very confident in recognizing its symptoms. Dr. Rupa Parmar, GP and director of Midland Health, sheds light on key warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention.
One of the most telling signs of blood cancer is unexplained bruising, especially visible on the hands. Blood cancer reduces healthy platelet count, crucial for blood clotting, leading to bruises that can appear without any injury and feel tender. Detecting bruises may be challenging on darker skin tones, so watch for any discoloration or darker patches.
Unintentional weight loss is another significant symptom, as cancer cells impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, causing faster calorie burn and subsequent weight loss. Blood cancer also impairs white blood cell production, weakening the immune system and resulting in more frequent and severe infections that should not be ignored.
READ MORE: Tributes Pour In for Somerset Legend ‘Hippy Kev’ and His Unforgettable Spirit
READ MORE: Michael Vaughan Criticises England’s Prolonged Search for New Selector
Bloating can occur due to the accumulation of white blood cells or fluid in organs, causing enlargement. Pallor, or unusual skin paleness, is common due to anemia—a lack of red blood cells. For those with darker skin, pallor might be visible inside the mouth or on the tongue and gums. Checking the color of the inner eyelid can help: a pale pink or white hue is a clear sign.
Joint or bone pain is another alarm bell. Blood cancer cells may accumulate in the joints and bone marrow, causing swelling and dull or sharp pains, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. Additionally, painless lumps or swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin can result from abnormal white blood cell growth in lymph nodes, spleen, or liver.
Night sweats, especially if new or severe, may also signal blood cancer. This symptom arises as the body attempts to regulate its rising internal temperature during the immune response.
Dr. Parmar advises, “If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult your GP promptly. Early detection of blood cancer dramatically improves survival chances, with rates above 80-90% when caught in the initial stages.”