More than a third of Scots dismiss possible signs of blood cancer.
A survey from the charity Bloodwise suggests 39 per cent of us had at least one symptom that could have been blood cancer in the last year but didn’t see a doctor.
More than a quarter of those who did seek help waited a month or longer before seeing a GP.
About 3700 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every year in Scotland. It’s the third biggest cause of cancer deaths, killing more people than breast or prostate cancers.
Starting treatment early can improve its effectiveness and, in some cases, the chances of survival.
Bloodwise is concerned that low public awareness of symptoms is contributing to delays in diagnosis.
The charity has worked with medical experts to produce a free guide to help people identify and monitor the possible signs. To order the guide, visit here .
Nicola's Story:
Mum Nicola Wilson thought the night sweats and tiredness she was suffering was down to the menopause.
But the 57-year-old turned out to have a type of blood cancer called Burkitt Lymphoma, which kills quickly if left untreated.
Nicola, from Dalkeith, Midlothian, said: “Female colleagues reported similar symptoms so I wasn’t unduly concerned.
“I was trying to eat less and had lost some weight."
She added: “Soon afterwards, I found a lump in my groin and returned to my GP. I was referred for blood tests and an urgent scan.
“By this time, I had noticed other symptoms, including vomiting in the mornings, increased fatigue and breathlessness. After various investigations, I was formally diagnosed.”
Burkitt Lymphoma – a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – is the fastest growing human tumour and is associated with impaired immunity.
Nicola received treatment and is now in remission.
