People across Wales are being urged to learn the four main symptoms of leukaemia after new research revealed that only 1% of the population could identify them. Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that affects people of all ages and is diagnosed in more than 10,000 people in the UK every year.
Overall survival for the condition stands at just over 50%, making it one of the most deadly forms of cancer. But an early diagnosis is a key factor in effective treatment.
The research, conducted on behalf of Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care, also found that more than a third (34%) of respondents from Wales could not recognise any of the four most widely reported symptoms of the disease - fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding and repeated infections.
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Only 16% of respondents across Wales recognised that repeated infections – one of the most common symptoms of leukaemia – are a symptom, only 26% said unusual bruising is a symptom and only 14% said unusual bleeding is a symptom.
Only 52% of respondents were able to recognise fatigue as a symptom – which is often the most likely symptom to be identified by those later diagnosed with leukaemia.
The charities have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of symptoms ahead of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September. As well as the main symptoms of the disease, the campaign also points out some of the lesser-known symptoms including fever or night sweats, bone or joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
The four most common symptoms of leukaemia are:
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Bruising
Unusual bleeding
Repeated infections
Other symptoms include:
Fever or night sweats
Bone or joint pain
Fiona Hazell, chief executive of Leukaemia UK, described the results of the research as "extremely worrying" and said: "People underestimate their risk by thinking that leukaemia is a childhood disease. In reality, both incidence and mortality rates rise sharply after the age of 55.
"Raising awareness in this age group is critical in order to treat it early and effectively, and ultimately to improve survival rates overall."
Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, added: “The recent findings are extremely worrying. Early diagnosis of leukaemia can improve survival. With over 10,000 people being diagnosed every year with leukaemia, this shows just how important it is to continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and how much work needs to be done.
"It’s crucial that if you think you have fatigue, bruising or bleeding or repeated infections that you contact your GP and ask for a blood test."
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and you think something might not be right, contact your GP and ask for a blood test or call our freephone helpline on 08088 010 444.
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