September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of blood cancer, its symptoms and the importance of seeking medical advice if something doesn't feel right.
What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer affects the production and function of blood cells. The main types include:
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
There are also more than 100 different types of blood cancer.
Did you know?
- Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.
- More than 40,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every year in the UK.
- More than 310,000 people are living with blood cancer in the UK.
- Around 1 in 19 people will develop blood cancer during their lifetime.
- Blood cancer is the third biggest cancer killer in the UK.
Know the signs and symtpoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of blood cancer, but common symptoms may include:
- Persistent tiredness or fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Frequent, persistent or severe infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps or swelling
- Drenching night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained fever or high temperature
- Unexplained bone or joint pain
- An unexplained rash or itchy skin
- Paleness (pallor)
When should you contact your GP?
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than blood cancer. However, if you have a symptom that is unexplained, persistent or unusual for you, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional and find out what may be causing it.
Help raise awareness
Blood cancer is sometimes described as a "hidden cancer" because awareness of its symptoms remains low. This September, help spread awareness by learning the signs and symptoms and encouraging others to #SayBloodCancer.
ALL INFORMATION FROM BLOOD CANCER UK