ALL is a rare form of cancer affecting around 200 adults in the UK a year. ALL is where the body produces too many lymphocytes (lymphoblast’s or blast cells) which fill the bone marrow affecting its ability to produce blood cells. The lymphocytes do not mature and therefore are unable to perform the job of the white blood cell, which is to fight infection.

Things to look out for

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Chronic Fatigue (feeling tired): this may cause shortness of breath.
• Abnormal bleeding: this may occur as bleeding gums, regular nose bleeds, heavy periods (female) or unexplained bruising.
• Aching bones/joints: your bones and joints may ache due to affects of the leukaemia cells.
• Recurring/multiple infections: you may experience recurring or multiple infections this is due to the lack of functioning white blood cells.
• Pale complexion: due to the lack of red blood cells you may develop anaemia which can cause you to look pale.
• Generally Run down: you may suffer with a sore throat or your mouth may become sore.

These symptoms are common in other medical conditions, however due to the nature of ALL it is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing some or any of these symptoms as treatment will need to begin as soon as possible.

Some occasional cases of ALL may not present symptoms and diagnosis is a result of a blood test.