Blood Cancer - The Sneaky One!

Before I was diagnosed with Leukaemia I was totally unaware of what it actually was and I now know that recognising the signs and symptoms can be a challenge.  It's certainly a sneaky one having symptoms that are often vague and non-specific making it potentially difficult to diagnose.  With some blood cancers (like the one I have) immediate treatment is crucial as they progress rapidly and aggressively. 

You see blood cancer thinks it's clever by hiding behind other minor illnesses like flu and the symptoms can easily be put down to our busy lives.  It's because of this people often put off going to their GP, I certainly did.  My cancer was picked up in a blood test because I had been feeling unwell but not because Leukaemia was suspected.  However, the more we do to raise awareness the less it will be able to hide!! This is something I feel passionately about now in case you haven't already guessed!

A GP may only see one case of Blood Cancer every two years! I have spoken to a GP I work with and she states that she's only every seen two cases of Leukaemia in her whole career!

Remember - BE AWARE!

Are there risk factors relating to Leukaemia?  Experts are not sure on the causes but there are some things that can make someone more prone;

• Radiation exposure
• Benzene exposure (smoking)
• Genetic factors
• Past chemotherapy
• Blood disorders
• Auto immune conditions

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A FEW FACTS

Median age at diagnosis is 66 (I WAS 39 THOUGH!)

5% of new cases are 35-44yr olds

46% survive Leukaemia for 10 or more years.

IN 2012 4,800 people died from Leukaemia – that’s 13 every day.

In 2013 - 9,301 new cases in the UK

Over the past decade cases of Leukaemia has remained relatively stable

Leukaemia is the 9^th most common cause of cancer death in the UK

33% of blood cancers are diagnosed via the emergency admissions route.

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