Leukaemia Symptoms Often Mistaken for Common Illnesses

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is raising awareness of leukaemia, a blood cancer with early symptoms often mistaken for common illnesses such as the flu, viral infections, stress, or simple fatigue.

Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukaemia Awareness Month (15 August to 15 October) aims to raise awareness of blood cancers and encourage more people to join stem cell donor registries. Recognising the warning signs early can help people seek medical attention sooner and improve treatment outcomes.

“One of the biggest challenges with leukaemia is that its early symptoms can seem harmless and easy to dismiss,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“Persistent tiredness, getting sick frequently, bruising you can’t explain, or drastic weight loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference, which is why we value and emphasise awareness and prompt medical assessment on this topic.”

What Is Leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It develops when abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells.

As the disease progresses, the body may struggle to produce enough healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can reduce oxygen delivery throughout the body, weaken the immune system, and affect the blood’s ability to clot properly.

There are several types of leukaemia. Acute leukaemia develops quickly and often requires urgent treatment, while chronic leukaemia progresses more slowly and may go unnoticed for months or even years.

Why Leukaemia Is Often Missed

One of the biggest challenges with leukaemia is that many of its symptoms are common and non-specific. Fatigue, fevers, infections, and body aches are frequently associated with routine illnesses.

Because these warning signs can resemble viral infections, stress, overwork, or the effects of ageing, people may not realise something more serious is happening.

Persistent Fatigue that Doesn’t Improve

Feeling tired after a busy week is normal. However, leukaemia-related fatigue is often much more severe.

Many people describe it as ongoing exhaustion that does not improve with rest or sleep. This commonly occurs because leukaemia can lead to anaemia, where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently.

Warning signs include:

• Feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep.
• Struggling with normal daily activities.
• Shortness of breath during light activity.
• Dizziness or weakness.
• Looking unusually pale.

Frequent Infections

Healthy white blood cells help the body fight infections. In leukaemia, these cells may be abnormal and unable to function properly.

As a result, people may experience:

• Repeated colds or flu-like illnesses.
• Frequent sore throats.
• Recurring chest infections.
• Persistent fevers.
• Infections that take longer than usual to clear.

Easy Bruising and Unusual Bleeding

Leukaemia can reduce platelet levels in the blood. Platelets are responsible for helping blood to clot and stopping bleeding.

Low platelet levels may cause:

• Bruising easily.
• Frequent nosebleeds.
• Bleeding gums.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Tiny red or purple spots under the skin known as petechiae.
• Cuts that take longer than normal to stop bleeding.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying can be a warning sign of several serious health conditions, including leukaemia.

Leukaemia can affect the body’s metabolism and energy use, sometimes leading to unintended weight loss. Some people may also experience a reduced appetite or feel full more quickly than usual.

Night Sweats and Persistent Fever

Occasional night sweats can occur for many reasons. However, persistent night sweats that regularly soak clothing or bedding can sometimes be associated with blood cancers, including leukaemia.

This symptom may occur alongside:

• Repeated low-grade fevers.
• Ongoing tiredness.
• A general feeling of being unwell.

Bone and Joint Pain

Because leukaemia begins in the bone marrow, some people experience pain or tenderness in their bones and joints.

This discomfort may:

• Be persistent.
• Occur without injury.
• Affect the legs, hips, ribs, or back.
• Gradually worsen over time.

In children, leukaemia-related bone pain may sometimes be mistaken for sports injuries or growing pains.

Swollen Lymph Nodes and Abdominal Discomfort

Leukaemia can cause the lymph nodes to become enlarged, resulting in noticeable swelling in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. The disease may also cause the spleen or liver to enlarge, which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, or pressure beneath the ribs, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food. While these symptoms can be subtle and may develop gradually, they should not be ignored if they persist or worsen over time.

The Importance of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation

For some people with leukaemia, a stem cell transplant offers the best chance of long-term survival or recovery.

Finding a suitable donor can be difficult because donor and patient tissue types must closely match. This is why stem cell donor registries are so important.

In case you do not know, most stem cell donations are collected from the bloodstream through a process similar to donating blood. In some cases, bone marrow is collected from the pelvic bone under anaesthetic. Both procedures are carefully managed by healthcare professionals and can provide a lifesaving opportunity for someone with leukaemia or another serious blood disorder.

Conclusion

Leukaemia is often called a hidden cancer because its early warning signs can closely resemble common illnesses, making them easy to overlook. Persistent symptoms such as extreme tiredness, frequent infections, unusual bruising, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, bone pain, or swollen lymph nodes should never be ignored.

While these symptoms do not always indicate leukaemia, those that persist, worsen, or have no clear cause should be medically assessed. Early diagnosis can improve treatment options, reduce complications, and give patients the best possible chance of a positive outcome.

Affinity Health provides members with access to unlimited 24/7 telehealth consultations and unlimited managed in-person consultations, making it easier to seek medical advice and discuss concerning symptoms with qualified healthcare professionals.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our members peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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