September is blood cancer awareness month

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Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer, whether it's leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, MPN or any other blood cancer.

Blood cancer symptoms include:

• Weight loss that is unexplained
• Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained
• Lumps or swellings
• Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
• Drenching night sweats
• Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe
• Fever (38°C or above) that is unexplained
• Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained
• Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area)
• Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep (fatigue)
• Paleness (pallor)

Not everyone will have the same symptoms, and some people may have symptoms that are not listed above.

Worried about blood cancer?

Most people who have symptoms described on this page won’t have blood cancer. But it's important to find out what’s causing them.

Order our free blood cancer symptoms guide, fill it in, and book a GP appointment.

If you have just one symptom that you can't explain, book an appointment with your GP. If you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, get medical help straight away by calling 999 or going to A&E.

Want more information?

Head to the Blood Cancer UK webpage. 

Published: Sep 28, 2023