May 28th is World Blood Cancer Day, a global awareness day dedicated to raising awareness of this form of cancer.
We want to encourage people to get involved and show their support by educating themselves and others on what blood cancer is, what symptoms to look out for, and the available treatments.
Get involved
Download our informative poster here
Share it with friends and family, encourage your colleagues to educate themselves by placing it in your work communal kitchen, and add it into your local community groups and centres!
Help others to spot the signs and symptoms of blood cancer early and raise awareness of the treatments available.
What is blood cancer?
Blood cancers develop from the mutations of different white blood cells found in our blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system (a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins). When a problem develops with white blood cells, blood cancers can occur.
There are 3 main types of blood cancer; leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma.
Blood cancer is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK and over 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
The common signs and symptoms
Symptoms of blood cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fevers and sweats
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone pain
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpit or groin
- Itchy skin
If you have these symptoms, see your GP so they can be investigated.
Blood cancer treatments
Treatments for blood cancer include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted molecular therapies and stem cell transplants. [https://lmruk.org/stem-cells/].
Fundraise for LMRUK
Set yourself a fundraising challenge this year. Whether it’s running your first marathon, getting an adrenaline high with a skydive or baking tasty treats for your friends and colleagues with a cake sale – every penny helps in finding more effective treatments for blood cancer.
Discover all the different ways you can fundraise for LMRUK here. https://lmruk.org/fundraising/
Dr Joanna Tilley, Operations Director said: “It’s so important for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood cancer so it can be diagnosed as early as possible.
“We’re passionate about educating people about blood cancer and any support we can get will help our mission to protect the next generation from this awful form of cancer.”
