Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2025
Despite blood cancer being the fifth most common cancer and the third biggest cancer killer in the UK, blood cancer doesn’t receive the public profile of the other four common cancers.
Blood cancer symptoms
Blood cancer symptoms can include:
- Weight loss that is unexplained
- Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained
- Lumps or swellings
- Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
- Drenching night sweats
- Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe
- Fever (38°C or above) that is unexplained
- Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained
- Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area)
- Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep (fatigue)
- Paleness (pallor)
Some symptoms look different in different skin tones.
Not everyone will have the same symptoms, and some people may have symptoms that are not listed here.
Read more at: Blood cancer symptoms and signs | Blood Cancer UK
Speak to your GP if you have any symptoms.
Blood cancer statistics from Blood Cancer UK:
- 31% of people with blood cancer have to visit their GP three or more times before being diagnosed.
- 78% of people with blood cancer describe blood cancer as a hidden cancer.
- 76% of people with blood cancer say they were not told their condition was a type of blood cancer at the point of diagnosis.
- 47% of people with blood cancer do not feel part of any community, despite 70% of people with blood cancer saying this is important to them.
- 58% of those with blood cancer are not aware of any support potentially available to them when diagnosed.
Support for you
0808 2080 888
A local charity based in Alforde Street, Widnes who offer support to those in the Halton area whose lives have been touched by cancer. Anyone who has been affected by cancer or by the suffering of a friend or relative is welcome at the Centre.
Support groups, counselling, beauty treatments and information are available.
0151 423 5730
21 – 23 Alforde Street, Widnes WA8 7TR.
