How do you know if YOU have blood cancer?

On the last day of Blood Cancer Awareness month let’s think about this question together. With many other types of cancer everyone knows what to look out for. Yet more than half of the UK population can’t name a single symptom that might suggest blood cancer. Only 30% knew that fatigue was a common symptom (I was surprised that was so high to be honest!), but only 2% recognised repeated infections could be associated, and just 1% fevers.

The challenge with identifying blood cancer is that some people will have a blood cancer for years without having any symptoms at all. Others will have just one or two symptoms from the list bellow. Others may have other mild non specific symptoms which could include any symptoms that could be associated with infections anywhere in the body.

Blood Cancer UK have put together a very helpful graphic and article about the symptoms of blood cancer

What to look out for

• lumps or swelling (these may be soft and not obvious to see)
• cough
• bruising
• pain in bone, joints or tummy
• infections
• tiredness or fatigue
• increase in body temperature
• rash
• weight loss
• shortness of breath
• pale skin
• drenching night sweats

Crucially you only need to have one of these symptoms. In fact, you might not have any symptoms at all but still have blood cancer.

Here is video from Blood Cancer UK that explains the same symptoms more:

When you think about each of these individual symptoms and how many other conditions can cause them then two things become clear:

1. Even if you have several of these symptoms it is still more likely that you have something other than blood cancer.
2. It is not surprising that blood cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose and is often missed until someone is so unwell they find themselves in an ER or A and E department.

One symptom that is even more vague than those listed above is that subjective sense that you are feeling unwell. It is hard to explain. Some describe it as feeling like they might be about to go down with flu but never quite get sick. Others just feel increasingly weak. Especially if you present during an infection, some may find it hard to walk. But if you have that sense that you really are feeling unwell then please do not ignore it.

The subtly of symptoms came across well in several of our interviews this month.

• Joy spotted under the microscope in a science practical that she had too many platelets!
• El noticed a lump and rather than ignoring it got it checked out.
• Jenni felt unwell and had unusual pains.
• As for me, I caught pneumonia and in hospital they realised I had too many lymphocytes and was immune compromised

The stories are endless in their variation. And for many people it took multiple visits to the doctor to identify what is wrong.

How to find out if you have a blood cancer

• Try not to assume the worst – think of it as trying to rule out blood cancer rather than thinking you have it even if you have some of the symptoms.
• Go to your family doctor and ask them if you need blood tests, a scan, urine test, or biopsy, and in the UK ask if they will refer you through the 2 week suspected cancer pathway.
• If your doctor tells you to come back if you do not feel any better, that is exactly what you should do. Do NOT suffer in silence. Even if they do not invite you to, do not hesitate to book another appointment if your symptoms do not go away.
• If you suddenly feel very unwell get urgent medical help by calling 999, 911, or 112 or going to the ER / A&E at your local hospital.

For more information please read this excellent Blood Cancer UK page wherever you are in the world.

Remember that it is really important to get the investigations done, and not to give up if you continue to be concerned. BUT, the most likely outcome is still that once all the tests are done you will be told you do not have blood cancer. As hard as waiting for results is, blood cancers are mostly rare conditions. Do call one of the support lines listed below if you are feel you want to talk to someone who will understand how you are feeling.

What if I do get diagnosed with blood cancer?

You are NOT alone!

Join Blood Cancer Uncensored’s Facebook Group

Read some of our other articles:

Visit some some other helpful resources

• Blood Cancer UK’s Just diagnosed page.
• Blood Cancer UK Support line
• LLS USA support line