Every September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of understanding blood cancer and the symptoms, advocate for early diagnosis, and support those affected.

Blood cancer symptoms can vary widely depending on the type, whether it's leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, MPN, or another form. Key symptoms to watch out for include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Lumps or swellings
• Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
• Drenching night sweats
• Persistent, recurrent, or severe infections
• Unexplained fever (38°C or above)
• Unexplained rash or itchy skin
• Pain in your bones, joints, or abdomen (stomach area)
• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep
• Paleness (pallor)

It’s important to note that symptoms can appear differently on various skin tones. For example, bruises may look darker than the surrounding skin, rashes may appear purple or darker, and skin may take on a greyish hue.

Here at Switalskis, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of blood cancer when symptoms are not recognised or diagnosed in time. We’ve supported many families who have lost loved ones or are caring for someone due to delayed diagnosis.

We encourage anyone who has been affected by the care they have received from the NHS relating to blood cancer to make contact with us so that we can begin to support you too. Contact our cancer misdiagnosis claims team today by calling 0800 1380 458 or emailing help@switalskis.com. .

For more information on blood cancer symptoms, Blood Cancer UK offers a helpful guide that you can access here .

Diagnosing blood cancer involves a variety of tests, depending on the specific type. These tests may include:

• Blood tests, often performed at your GP surgery or local hospital
• Bone marrow biopsy, typically from the hip bone
• Lymph node biopsy
• Scans, genetic tests, and immunophenotyping

Treatment options depend on the type of blood cancer. While some people may not need immediate treatment, others might require chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells or a stem cell transplant to replace diseased cells with healthy ones. Those diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer affecting the immune system, might even undergo surgery to remove the spleen.

Leukemias are the most common childhood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Azaylia Foundation was established in memory of Azaylia Diamond Cain, an 8-month-old who tragically lost her battle with AML in April 2021. The foundation is dedicated to changing the system that considers childhood cancer rare, resulting in underfunding. It supports UK institutions focused on early diagnosis and new treatments, while also raising public awareness and advocating for change.

It is important to know support is out there. The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group support children and young people with cancer and their families in a number of ways including a quarterly magazine which offers help, support and information and family information days which bring together parents, parents, researchers, healthcare professionals and charities to discuss the latest research into childhood cancer and talk about the issues which affect parents.    

Contact our specialist medical negligence claims team

At Switalskis, we know how crucial early diagnosis and proper care are in the fight against cancer. If you or someone you care about has been affected by a delay or mistake in diagnosing blood cancer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact Switalskis today by calling 0800 1380 458 or emailing help@switalskis.com.