In short
Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, with about 10,000 UK diagnoses a year. See a GP about unusual tiredness, repeated infections, bruising or bleeding more easily, paleness, night sweats or unexplained weight loss. Acute types need treatment quickly. Chronic types may be found on a routine blood test. Most of these symptoms have other causes.
The four main types — AML, ALL, CML and CLL — behave differently. CLL is the most common in adults and often slow. AML is aggressive. Childhood ALL has cure rates around 90% in the UK.
Which symptoms should you report?
Abnormal white cells crowd out healthy blood production, which explains the pattern.
- Tiredness or weakness that does not improve with rest
- Infections that keep returning
- Bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Pale skin, breathlessness or a fast heartbeat
- Fevers, night sweats or weight loss
What is the difference between acute and chronic leukaemia?
Acute leukaemia (AML, ALL) comes on over days or weeks and needs urgent treatment. Chronic leukaemia (CML, CLL) may develop over months or years. CLL five-year survival is around 87% in UK figures; AML around 29% in adults.
Can children get leukaemia?
ALL is the most common childhood cancer. In the UK, most children with ALL are cured. The same disease in a low-income country is often fatal without continuous chemotherapy — which is why childhood cancer is a named WAN programme.
What are the key takeaways?
- Tiredness, bruising, bleeding or repeated infections should be checked with a blood test.
- AML, ALL, CML and CLL are different diseases with different outlooks.
- Childhood ALL is highly curable in the UK when treatment is completed.
- WAN funds treatment continuity overseas, not UK haematology wards.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty puts them out of reach — so a treatable cancer too often becomes a fatal one. World Aid Network funds treatment through locally-licensed oncologists for patients who cannot pay.
Frequently asked questions
Does a blood test always show leukaemia?
A full blood count is usually abnormal in leukaemia, which is why it is the first test. Specialists then examine the bone marrow to confirm the type.
Is leukaemia inherited?
Most cases are not. A few inherited conditions raise risk. Family history is still worth mentioning to a GP.
Are night sweats always blood cancer?
No. Infections, menopause and other illnesses cause night sweats. Drenching sweats with weight loss or bruising should be checked.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It was reviewed by the World Aid Network editorial team for accuracy against NHS and World Health Organization sources. Always speak to a GP or qualified clinician about your own health.