Can you #SpotLeukaemia?
This September, the Cobblers are supporting the Spot Leukaemia campaign, helping fans to recognise the signs and symptoms of leukaemia.
Leukaemia is a blood cancer that can affect people of all ages.
It is most common in adults over the age of 65 years old, but there are around 3,300 children, teenagers and adults under the age of 65 years old diagnosed each year.
At the age of 18, Scott, was diagnosed with a quickly progressing type of leukaemia.
“I was a full-time footballer at the age of 18 and working my way towards the first team. In September 2008 something changed, I started to feel short of energy, Having trouble with nausea, Persistent cough and significant weight loss. I attended my GP on numerous occasions to see what was causing these symptoms and was always told it was merely a chest infection which would clear up.
It wasn't until Jan 2009 when my mum decided enough was enough and demanded something be done. I was taken to hospital where they ran some tests (one of which was a blood test). Within 30 minutes of having the bloods taken I was told I had a form of leukaemia which was called ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) and I would be undergoing chemotherapy the next day.”
The signs and symptoms of leukaemia are often associated with those of unrelated, but common, illnesses. This can make leukaemia difficult to spot.
The most common symptoms in all ages are:
• Fatigue
• Feeling weak or breathless
• Fever or night sweats
• Easily bruising or bleeding
• Pain in bones or joints
• Frequent infections
Ensuring that you can spot the signs and symptoms of leukaemia can help diagnose leukaemia early. Early diagnosis saves lives.
Remember, a simple blood test is all that is required to either rule out, or diagnose, a blood cancer. If you are concerned about spotting the signs and symptoms, visit your GP and request a blood test.
To find out more about Spot Leukaemia and support the campaign, visit www.spotleukaemia.org.uk