On this page

Signs and symptoms of leukaemia

Leukaemia usually involves the white blood cells which fight infection. These cells normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them.  However, in people with leukaemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don’t function properly. 

**You may have symptoms that are not listed here because there are different types of leukaemia and the exact symptoms you have depends on the type of leukaemia. **

  • Fatigue (tiredness that lasts a long time and doesn’t improve with rest)
  • Fever (high temperature)
  • Bruising and bleeding more easily, or bleeding that takes longer to stop
  • Infections that are more frequent, severe, or last longer
  • Weight loss that is unexplained
  • Pale skin
  • Breathlessness
  • Swelling of lymph nodes
  • Feeling of fullness in the abdomen
  • Other symptoms such as loss of appetite and headaches

The symptoms listed here are often caused by other medical conditions.  It is important to see your GP if you have any of these symptoms. 

Some people diagnosed with leukaemia do not have any symptoms.  They are diagnosed after having a routine blood test for something else. 

Resources for leukaemia

There are a number of websites that provide information relating to leukaemia, these include:

This is not an exhaustive list and other sources of support in Northern Ireland can also be accessed via Northern Ireland Cancer Network and Useful links | Be Cancer Aware.