Don't Brush It Off: Early Blood Cancer Clues You Must Notice

Blood cancer is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow and affects blood cells. Learn about the early signs of blood cancer you shouldn't ignore for timely diagnosis.

Blood Cancer: Don't Ignore These Seven Early Symptoms

Blood cancer starts in the bone marrow and affects blood cells. It's a general term for leukemia (cancer of blood-forming tissues), lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

There are many types of blood cancer, like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

There are various types of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Early detection is crucial for treatment. Here are the key symptoms of blood cancer.

Rubbery, usually painless lumps in the neck or armpits

If you notice rubbery, painless lumps in your neck or armpits that last for a few weeks, get them checked. This is a common early sign of lymphoma.

Unexplained fever and night sweats

Unexplained fever and night sweats are dangerous signs in both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This can also occur in leukemia.

Unexpected weight loss is another symptom

Unexpected weight loss over weeks or months is another sign. This is because cancer cells affect the body's metabolism.

Fatigue, anemia, pale skin, and shortness of breath during exercise

Blood cancer often disrupts normal blood formation, leading to anemia. This causes fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath during exercise.

Easy bruising, bleeding gums, and minor injuries

Bruising easily, bleeding from the gums, and unstoppable bleeding from minor injuries are symptoms related to blood cancer.

Causes bone pain, fractures, or chronic back pain.

Multiple myeloma often causes bone pain, fractures, or chronic back pain. Generalized itching can be a symptom in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Can cause indigestion or abdominal pain

Some blood cancers/lymphomas can enlarge the liver, causing indigestion or abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

The key is not to panic, but to get checked.

Many of these symptoms are linked to conditions like TB, dengue, viral fevers, or iron deficiency anemia. The key is not to panic, but to get checked.