Could you spot the signs of blood cancer? Northern Trust urges public to know what to look for

Hannah Buchanan, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Blood cancer can affect people of all ages and its symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other illnesses, prompting the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to urge people to know the warning signs and seek medical advice if something does not feel right.

September marks Blood Cancer Awareness Month, with health professionals using the campaign to highlight symptoms including unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme tiredness, recurring infections and unexplained weight loss.

Blood cancer describes cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. There are more than 100 different types, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Signs and symptoms to look out for

Symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer and can present in different ways.

The Northern Trust says common symptoms can include unusual bruising or bleeding, feeling extremely tired, recurring infections, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, lumps or swelling, persistent aches and pains, shortness of breath, stomach discomfort or bloating, and skin changes such as paleness, unexplained rashes or itching.

These symptoms can also have many other causes and do not necessarily mean someone has cancer. However, people are being encouraged to contact their GP if they have concerns, particularly about changes that are unexplained or unusual for them. Macmillan Cancer Support similarly advises people to have ongoing, unexplained or unusual symptoms checked by their GP.

Symptoms can be easily mistaken for other illnesses

Hannah Buchanan, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Antrim Area Hospital, said increasing awareness is particularly important because blood cancers do not always present in an obvious way.

”The different types of blood cancer can affect people of all ages and can present in many different ways. Some symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other illnesses, which is why awareness is so important,” she said.

She also stressed that people should seek medical advice rather than ignoring a change or symptom that is causing concern.

”We want people to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to contact their GP if they have any concerns. Knowing what to look out for and seeking advice early can make a real difference,” she added.

Where to find more information

The Trust hopes Blood Cancer Awareness Month will encourage more conversations about the disease and give people greater confidence to seek medical advice when they experience possible symptoms.

Further information about blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other types, is available from Macmillan Cancer Support.