A young woman from St Andrews, Scotland, has spoken out about her leukaemia diagnosis, highlighting that bleeding gums can be a sign of the disease. Amber Cunningham-Rogan, now 26, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in 2021 after doctors detected abnormalities in her blood tests.
In the years leading up to her diagnosis, Amber experienced frequent infections, unusual tiredness, and severe bleeding gums, which were initially misdiagnosed as gum disease. She also suffered intense bone pain, which she described as feeling like 'somebody was electrocuting my bones'. Despite these symptoms, doctors told her they were unlikely to be cancer due to her young age.
Amber was studying at Edinburgh Napier University when she received the diagnosis over the phone, just before her final exams. She began targeted medication, which caused side effects including vomiting, rashes, and debilitating fatigue. Her treatment was halted in January after her cancer levels dropped consistently.
Throughout her treatment, Amber was supported by the charity Young Lives vs Cancer, which provided financial assistance and emotional support. She joined the charity's voice board, where she met other young people with cancer for the first time, describing the experience as 'amazing'.
Amber continues to struggle with fatigue and socialising but encourages others to be aware of leukaemia symptoms, including bleeding gums, which she says is 'one of the signs' though not very common.
