Blood Cancer Awareness Month: The Need to Recognize Symptoms of the Disease

by Dr. Anoop P, Sr. Consultant - Haematology, Haemato-Oncology, Paediatric Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Different types of blood cancers affect the function of blood cells and can disrupt the body’s ability to fight infections, regulate bleeding and maintain a healthy bone marrow. Chronic leukemia is a type of blood cancer that grows slowly and does not have any recognizable symptoms. But others like acute leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma can present a variety of symptoms, recognizing which becomes essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. This listicle will talk about 7 most common symptoms noticed in people suffering from blood cancer.

1.       Excess Fatigue and Tiredness – When no amount of rest will seem enough with a constant feeling of weakness that doesn’t improve, it can be a key indicator of blood cancer. Anemia is responsible for this symptom and is characterized by insufficient red cells to oxygenate the body because of the higher energy requirements to fight the illness. Simple things like walking may become harder and harder for an average patient until even moving slightly is met with fatigue.

2.       Increased Infections – Blood diseases can render the immune system ineffective and thus can increase the chances of people suffering from infections. Common infections like colds, flu, and other related sicknesses tend to affect the individual for longer than usual. This can be indicative enough, that the individual is suffering from more than what is visible.

3.       Unexplained Bruises or Bleeding - Some people might notice deep bruises appearing for no apparent reason. Few people may also tend to bleed longer than usual after small injuries. Frequent episodes of nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums are also noticed. These symptoms indicate that there is an issue with the clotting ability of the blood, thus increasing the risk of suffering from blood cancer.

4.       Enlarged Lymph Nodes – Lymph Nodes are small bean-shaped structures that aid in removing poisons and other microorganisms from the blood. Growth of these lymph nodes especially in the neck, armpits and groin area of a person, can lead to him/her running the risk of developing lymphoma or any other such hematological illness. People may confuse the swelling for something else as it is painless and can linger for several weeks.

5.       Unintentional Weight Loss – Losing more than 10% of one’s body weight over a short period of time – without changes in diet or physical activity can be a cause of concern. In many cases, it may be associated with reduced appetite or altered perception of food. But for people suffering from blood cancer, due to a condition called cachexia wherein the body breaks down muscle and fat tissue for energy, people also tend to abnormally lose weight. If anyone is suffering from these symptoms, it is advisable that they consult a doctor immediately.

6.       Night Sweats – Many people experience excessive sweating caused by hot flashes. But waking up sweating excessively, especially at night is different and can be a matter of concern. Along with disturbing the sleep cycle, people who experience this phenomenon can also have anxiety attacks and is considered to be a symptom of blood cancer as well.

7.       Pale Skin – People suffer from paleness apart from being tired or fatigued. In case an individual finds a swelling in his or her skin in addition to it being pale and the color of their gums getting lighter than usual, it could indicate towards anemia. Elbows and knees often thicken or swell up when a person is suffering from blood cancer due to the low levels of red blood cells present.

Being aware of these symptoms and timely recognition of the same can help people in early diagnosis and treatment. The signs listed can become important indicators about whatever is amiss in the body and will be crucial for people to significantly improve outcomes and the quality of life.