Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, the tissue where blood cells are made. It occurs when abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells.
There are several types of leukaemia, grouped into two main categories:
- Acute Leukaemia: Develops quickly and requires immediate treatment. (e.g., Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
- Chronic Leukaemia: Progresses more slowly and may be monitored before starting treatment. (e.g., Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).
“In many cases, leukaemia can be aggressive and progress rapidly. Recognising the early signs and seeking medical advice promptly can make a life-saving difference,” says Dr. Tengku Hidayat, Consultant Clinical Haematologist & Internal Medicine Physician.
Why Early Detection Is Critical
Leukaemia symptoms often mimic common illnesses like the flu or fatigue from daily life. This can delay diagnosis until the disease is advanced.
Early detection can:
- Increase treatment success rates especially in acute types.
- Allow for less intensive treatments in some cases.
- Improve quality of life during and after treatment.
“The earlier we detect leukaemia, the sooner we can begin targeted therapies that have been shown to improve survival and reduce side effects,” explains Dr. Tengku.
Common Early Warning Signs of Leukaemia
Be alert for these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen:
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, or groin)
- Bone or joint pain
“If you notice a combination of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, see your doctor and request a blood test,” says Dr. Tengku Hidayat.
How Leukaemia Is Diagnosed
Early diagnosis typically involves:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets.
- Peripheral Blood Smear: Looks at blood cells under a microscope.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: Confirms the diagnosis and identifies the type of leukaemia.
- Genetic Testing: Detects mutations that can guide personalised treatment.
Modern Advances in Leukaemia Treatment
With early detection, patients can benefit from:
- Targeted Therapies: Drugs that specifically attack cancer-causing mutations.
- Immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer cells.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy: Genetically modifying immune cells to recognise and destroy leukaemia cells.
- Stem Cell Transplants: Replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy donor cells.
“Today’s treatments are far more effective and less toxic than in the past but they work best when started early,” Dr. Tengku notes.
What You Can Do This World Leukaemia Day?
- Know the symptoms and share them with friends and family.
- Encourage routine health checks, especially if you have risk factors.
- Support awareness campaigns to promote early detection.
“Leukaemia doesn’t wait and neither should you,” says Dr. Tengku.
“If something feels wrong, trust your instincts, get checked, and push for answers. Early detection truly saves lives.”
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