People in the East of England are being urged to take notice of the symptoms of leukaemia, as new research published today shows that of those who responded to the survey in this region, just one person was able to identify ALL four of most widely reported symptoms – fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding and repeated infections.
Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that affects people of all ages and 27 people receive a leukaemia diagnosis every day in the UK – that’s just under 10,000 every year. Overall survival for leukaemia stands at just over 50% – making it one of the most deadly forms of cancer.
Early diagnosis could saves lives, yet the recent public survey by leukaemia charities Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia UK, found that 56% of respondents from the East of England could not recognise ANY amongst the four most widely reported symptoms of the disease, which kills nearly 5,000 people a year in the UK, and which is often diagnosed too late.
The two charities are collaborating on an important campaign, #SpotLeukaemia, to raise awareness of the symptoms ahead of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer and third deadliest.
In a new film released today Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia UK have called on 5-year-old children to try to make the symptoms of leukaemia memorable. The advert sees youngsters asking a range of questions to encourage people to ask ‘why’ am I feeling this way – channel your inner 5-year-old and question your symptoms which could be leukaemia.
People who are concerned about any of these symptoms – fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding and repeated infections – are being strongly urged by the charities to contact their GP and request a blood test. More information is available on the Spot Leukaemia website at www.spotleukaemia.org.uk.
The advert focuses on the four most widely reported symptoms. Other symptoms of leukaemia include fever or night sweats, bone or joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
The charities are now calling on people to start ‘asking why’ about leukaemia and its symptoms, share the video with friends and family, and visit the Spot Leukaemia website for more help and advice.
Awareness of the symptoms of leukaemia is low in the East of England
Only 15% of respondents across the East of England recognised infections as one of the most common symptoms of leukaemia, only 22% said unusual bruising is a most common symptom and just 9% said unusual bleeding is a most common symptom. Only 30% of respondents in the East of England were able to recognise fatigue as a most common symptom – which is often the most likely symptom to be identified by those later diagnosed with leukaemia.
