Haematologists share blood cancer symptoms that you should not ignore

You must know the symptoms of blood cancer to detect it at an early stage (Picture Credit: Canva)

Blood cancers are often disguised as ordinary tiredness, fever, or minor infections. However, recognising the subtle warning signs early can help improve survival rates. Experts stress that even small, persistent symptoms call for medical attention, particularly for those with risk factors or a family history.

It’s easy to shrug off a few weeks of fatigue, a low-grade fever, or the odd bruise as just stress or a late night at work, says Dr Aditi Shah Kaskar, Consultant – Hematology, Hemato-Oncology & BMT Physician at HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali. “But sometimes, these seemingly harmless signs could indicate a warning sign for blood cancer. Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma often start slowly, with early symptoms so subtle they can be mistaken for a routine viral infection or just plain exhaustion.”

She further explains, “Blood cancers develop from white blood cells in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, or spleen. The challenge is that early symptoms are often nonspecific, like tiredness or mild fever, which makes people ignore them. Yet early detection can literally be a matter of life and death.”

The three major types of blood cancer—leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, behave differently but share a common trait, subtlety. “A routine blood test, particularly a Complete Blood Count (CBC), can flag early warning signs before the disease progresses.” Dr Kaskar informs, adding, “Patients who are diagnosed early generally respond better to treatment and may even avoid more aggressive therapies,” Dr Kaskar adds.

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Dr Kaskar suggest signs to watch out for:
Persistent fatigue: Feeling unusually tired even after proper rest.
Sudden fever or infections: Low-grade or recurrent fevers that linger without clear cause.
Unexplained bleeding or bruising: Nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or red marks on the skin (petechiae).
Loss of appetite and weight: Noticeable, unintended weight loss over a few weeks.
Swollen lymph nodes: Enlargement in the neck, armpits, or groin that isn’t painful.
Bone or joint pain: Particularly low back pain or frequent fractures in multiple myeloma.Night sweats: Intense sweating during sleep without obvious reason.

Additionally, Dr Suraj Chiraniya, Consultant Hematologist at Dr L. H. Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, stresses, “These early signs are modest, so people often dismiss them. But if these persist for more than two to three weeks, a simple CBC can help catch blood cancer in time, improving survival chances.”

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Early detection, tells Dr Chiraniya, is more than just a statistic, it directly impacts treatment outcomes. “Patients diagnosed at the beginning of the disease have lower disease burdens and more robust immune systems, which is particularly critical for procedures like bone marrow transplants.”
Those identified early not only survive longer but often require less aggressive therapy, preserving quality of life.

“People with a family history of blood cancer, past exposure to chemicals or radiation, or compromised immunity should be especially vigilant, undergoing regular screenings even in the absence of symptoms.” says Dr Chiraniya.

FAQs on blood cancer:

1. What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer affects the production and function of blood cells, usually starting in the bone marrow.

2. What are the main types of blood cancer?
The three main types are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

3. What are common symptoms?
Fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, weight loss, or night sweats can be warning signs.

4. How is blood cancer diagnosed?
Through blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging scans to detect abnormal cells.

5. Can blood cancer be treated?
Yes, treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and sometimes bone marrow transplant.

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 specific health diagnosis.