The National Health Service has issued a public health alert, urging individuals to consult their GP if they notice they are looking unusually pale, especially if this is not typical for them or if it appears alongside other worrying signs. This change in complexion could be an indicator of a serious underlying condition, including a form of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
According to the NHS, acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer that progresses quickly and aggressively, usually requiring immediate treatment. It is categorised by the type of white blood cells affected. The disease primarily impacts monocytes and granulocytes, which develop from myeloid stem cells, unlike lymphocytic leukaemias which affect lymphocytes from lymphoid stem cells.
While AML is relatively uncommon, it is diagnosed in approximately 3,100 people in the UK each year. It predominantly affects those aged over 75, but it can occur in younger adults and, rarely, in children.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of AML typically develop over several weeks and tend to worsen progressively. The NHS advises that anyone experiencing possible symptoms, or parents noticing them in their child, should book a GP appointment. While it is highly unlikely leukaemia is the cause, these signs warrant medical investigation.
The key symptoms include:
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Breathlessness
- Frequent infections
- Unusual or frequent bruising or bleeding, such as from the gums or nose
- Unexplained weight loss
- A high temperature, or feeling hot, cold, or shivery
- Night sweats
- Skin that bruises easily or shows flat red or purple spots
- Bone and joint pain
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the tummy
- Swollen, potentially sore glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
Diagnosis and Potential Causes
If your GP suspects leukaemia, they will arrange blood tests to check your blood cell counts. Should these tests indicate a problem, you will be urgently referred to a haematologist—a specialist in blood conditions—for further tests and treatment.
The exact cause of AML is often unclear, with no identifiable cause found in many cases. However, certain factors are known to increase risk. These include:
- Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment
- Exposure to very high levels of radiation
- Smoking and other exposure to benzene, a chemical found in cigarette smoke and some manufacturing processes
- Certain pre-existing blood disorders or genetic conditions, such as Down's syndrome
The NHS's clear message is to not ignore persistent, unexplained changes in your health. Consulting a GP promptly is the crucial first step towards getting the right diagnosis and care.
