Leukemia is known as blood cancer. Leukemia, which is among the most common types of cancer, occurs as a result of the stem cells found in the bone marrow, stopping their development for various reasons and multiplying uncontrollably. Failure to intervene early causes the leukemia to spread to other organs. Many people in the community confuse the symptoms of leukemia with the symptoms of other diseases. More than half of Britons do not know the symptoms of blood cancer, which kills around 16,000 people each year, according to the results of a recent survey. Health officials say thousands of people ignore the signs, thus missing the crucial early diagnosis.
RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT SYMPTOMS
Health officials also fear that people may confuse some blood cancer symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fever and fatigue, with Covid-19. Kate Keightley, from Blood Cancer UK, said it was “extremely worrying that we continue to see such low public awareness of the symptoms”. Unfortunately, symptoms such as night sweats and unexplained fatigue, weight loss and bruising can sometimes be ignored or have devastating consequences.
SEE THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
“Right now, we know that too many people are diagnosed late, which often reduces their chances of survival, so it’s very important for people to get their symptoms checked as soon as possible. If you have unexplained and persistent symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately,” Kate said.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LEUKEMIA?
- Large palpable lymph node (especially in the armpit or neck)
- fever of unknown origin
- night sweats
- Frequent recurring infections
- Persistent weakness, fatigue
- Bleeding and bruises on the skin that occur spontaneously or easily
- unexplained fever
- Pain in the body, especially in the bones and joints