Early symptoms of cancer don't always include lumps or pain, watch out for fatigue, anaemia, bruising

Symptoms of cancer: Early blood cancers often cause a subtle decline in energy, not a sudden collapse, say experts (Image: Pexels)

Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, often develop gradually, without obvious symptoms like lumps or severe pain. Instead, they can cause tiredness, unexplained bruising, or breathlessness that refuses to go away.

These symptoms are often mistaken for everyday stress or overwork. If you wake up tired despite a good sleep, or simple tasks feel exhausting, and the fatigue lasts for weeks, it’s not just stress. It could be your body warning you about something serious. “In many cases, the bone marrow is so full of abnormal cells, it simply stops producing healthy blood cells,” Dr Shashikant Apte, Director of Haematology, Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune, tells Moneycontrol. “This causes anaemia, where oxygen doesn’t circulate efficiently, and the result is a deep, unshakeable exhaustion,” he adds.

Agrees adds Dr Shyam Rathi, Consultant Haematologist at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim: “Many people ignore the signs thinking that they just needed a break. But when rest and time off don’t help, we need to dig deeper. Early blood cancers often cause a subtle decline in energy, not a sudden collapse.”

Also read | 8 early signs of cancer in women that should never be ignored

Bruises, bleeding gums, and the body’s quiet SOS

Another key sign is bleeding. Gums bleeding during brushing, frequent nosebleeds, or periods suddenly heavier than usual are warning signs. “These are often signs that your platelet count is dropping,” says Dr Rathi. Platelets help your blood clot, and in many blood cancers, their numbers fall without warning. “That’s when bruises appear for no reason — on your arms, legs, or even your back," he warns.

You might also notice tiny red or purple spots under your skin, called petechiae. "These are tiny blood vessels leaking due to poor clotting. These signs aren’t always painful, but they’re important. They’re like your body nudging you to pay attention,” says Dr Apte.

Also read | Signs of ovarian cancer: Why early symptoms go undetected, know the risk factors

What to watch out for, and when to act

Dr Rathi lists the symptoms that should raise concern:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Frequent infections
• Fevers or night sweats
• Sudden weight loss
• Easy bruising or unexplained bleeding
• Swollen glands
• Bone or back pain
• A feeling of fullness in the belly

Better to check once than regret later

The hardest part, says Dr Apte, is that the symptoms are easy to explain away. “Life is tiring. Stress is common. Bruises happen. But when they persist, or show up together, it’s no longer just ‘normal’. Early diagnosis can dramatically change outcomes. Blood cancers can be treated effectively when caught in time,” he says.

“When you feel something’s not quite right — pale skin, breathlessness, heavy periods, night sweats — don’t brush it off,” opine both the doctors.

FAQs on Early Symptoms of Cancer

1. What are the early symptoms of blood cancers?

Early symptoms of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma include persistent tiredness, unexplained bruising, breathlessness, and frequent infections. These symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for everyday stress or overwork.

2. Why should unexplained bruising be a concern?

Unexplained bruising can indicate a drop in platelet count, which helps blood clot. Blood cancers can cause platelets to fall unexpectedly, leading to bruises on arms, legs, or the back without any clear reason. This requires medical attention.

3. When should I consult a doctor about persistent fatigue?

If you experience unusual tiredness or weakness that lasts for more than two to three weeks despite adequate rest, it's time to consult a doctor. Persistent fatigue can be a sign of anemia caused by blood cancers, where the bone marrow stops producing healthy blood cells.

4. What other signs should I look out for?

Besides tiredness and bruising, watch for symptoms like frequent infections, fevers or night sweats, sudden weight loss, easy bleeding, swollen glands, bone or back pain, and a feeling of fullness in the belly. Persisting symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor.

5. How can early diagnosis impact blood cancer treatment?

Early diagnosis of blood cancers significantly improves treatment outcomes. Recognizing symptoms like pale skin, breathlessness, heavy periods, and night sweats early on can lead to timely medical intervention, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and potentially saving lives.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.