Leukaemia: What are the signs and symptoms? | NHS

What are the common signs of leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a type of cancer in the blood. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Feeling very tired
• Getting bruises easily
• Bleeding a lot, even from small cuts
• Getting sick often
• Fever
• Bones or stomach hurting
• Swelling in the neck or underarms

If you spot these signs, it's important to see a doctor. You can also ask for help from a family member or friend.

Can losing weight without trying be a sign of leukaemia?

Sometimes, people lose weight even if they are not trying to. This can happen because of an illness.

Leukaemia is a type of cancer. It can make people lose weight without trying.

If you are losing weight and don’t know why, it's important to talk to a doctor.

The doctor can help find out what's happening.

You can use tools like pictures or ask someone you trust to help understand more about your health.

Do you get sick a lot? Could it mean leukaemia?

If you get sick often, it might be a sign of a blood disease called leukaemia. Leukaemia affects the cells that fight germs in our body.

If you're unsure, it’s important to talk to a doctor. They can help you understand what's going on.

It can also help to:

• Write down how often you get sick.
• Ask someone to go to the doctor with you.
• Use simple words and ask the doctor to explain things clearly.

Why do people with leukaemia get bruises or bleed easily?

People with leukaemia might get bruises or bleed easily because their blood isn't working right. Our blood helps stop bruises or bleeding by making clots. In leukaemia, the blood can't make enough clots.

It's important to tell a doctor if you see lots of bruises or if bleeding doesn't stop. They can help you feel better.

To stay safe, wear protective gear when playing or doing sports. Tell an adult if you get a bruise or start bleeding.

Can swollen lumps in your neck, armpit, or groin mean leukaemia?

Sometimes, having swollen lumps in these areas can be linked to a blood cancer called leukaemia. But swollen lumps can also happen for other reasons, like when you have a cold or an infection.

If you are worried or if the lumps do not go away, it’s important to tell a grown-up or see a doctor. They can help check what’s wrong.

Using a picture or a drawing can help make this easier to understand. You can also ask someone you trust to read this with you and explain it.

Is feeling very tired normal if you have leukaemia?

How does anaemia affect leukaemia symptoms?

Anaemia is when you don't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. This can make you feel tired and weak.

Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects your blood and bone marrow. It can stop your body from making the right amount of healthy blood cells.

If you have leukaemia, you might also have anaemia. This can make leukaemia symptoms worse.

You might feel very tired, dizzy, or short of breath. It is important to talk to a doctor for help.

To make reading easier, you can use tools that read text out loud or highlight words as you read.

Do night sweats mean you might have leukaemia?

Sometimes, sweating a lot at night can be a sign of a health problem.

If you sweat a lot while you sleep, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help find out what's going on.

Using a fan or wearing light clothes can help you stay cool at night.

If you are worried, it's okay to ask someone for help. Talking to someone you trust or a doctor can be really helpful.

What does a high white blood cell count mean in leukaemia?

When you have leukaemia, your body makes too many white blood cells. This is called a "high white blood cell count." White blood cells help your body fight germs and stay healthy, but too many can be a sign of leukaemia.

Here are some things that might help you understand better:

• Pictures or Videos: Look at pictures or watch videos about white blood cells and leukaemia.
• Speak to a Doctor: Talk with a doctor or nurse to learn more.
• Ask Questions: If something is confusing, ask questions to make it clearer.

Do leukaemia and bone and joint pain go together?

Can leukaemia cause a fever with no clear reason?

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. Sometimes, people with leukaemia can have a fever that doctors can't explain. This can happen because leukaemia affects how the blood works.

If you or someone you know has a fever and is worried, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out what might be wrong.

For help reading, you can use a tool that reads text out loud. Ask someone to help you if you find it hard to understand.

Can leukaemia make it hard to breathe?

Yes, leukaemia can make you feel out of breath. This happens because leukaemia affects your blood.

Here are some tips to help:

• Talk to a doctor if you feel out of breath.
• Try to rest when you can.
• Use simple breathing exercises to help you relax.
• Ask someone to go to doctors' appointments with you for support.

Can children and grown-ups get leukaemia?

What are the signs of leukaemia in children?

Why is it important to see a doctor if you have signs of leukaemia?

If you feel sick and have signs of leukaemia, it is very important to see a doctor. A doctor can help you. They know what to do. Seeing a doctor can make you feel better faster.

Here are some things to help you:

• Tell someone you trust if you feel sick, like a parent or a friend.
• Write down how you feel. This can help you remember what to tell the doctor.
• Use pictures and simple words when you talk about how you feel.