Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh has revealed he initially dismissed a symptom of his rare blood cancer as tiredness from a hectic schedule. Walsh was diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM), a slow-growing and rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting plasma cells, and is now in remission.
Diagnosis and Remission
Walsh shared his diagnosis with his Celebrity Big Brother housemates in 2024, where he finished fourth. He later discussed his health on Nicky Byrne's podcast, Nicky Byrne HQ. In November 2024, he told the podcast: "I did have a thing called Waldenström cancer. It's a blood cancer and I didn't realise until I went to the Mater to check me out. I was told it's fine, it's manageable. I'm in remission, and I'm feeling good."
He said he is "loving life" but admitted that at the time of the cancer, he was tired and recalled: "Mentally and physically, I didn't know what to do." He explained he went to get checked because of his energy levels, saying: "I was tired. It was just after doing X Factor and stuff. When I got checked, they didn't find it initially. It's a rare one. But I'm in remission, I'm fine. They can manage it."
Symptoms and Warning
Macmillan says the most common symptoms of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia include feeling weak and tired. Bloodcancer.org.uk lists common blood cancer symptoms such as unexplained bruising or bleeding, unexplained pain in bones or joints, frequent infections, unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, lumps or swelling, drenching night sweats, paleness, shortness of breath, and an unexplained rash or itchy skin.
Walsh urged others: "Please, for anyone reading this, and you don't feel well, please, please go and get checked. If this interview encourages one person to go to a doctor, then this has all been worth it."
Urgent Symptoms and Next Steps
Some types of blood cancer, such as acute myeloid leukaemia, can develop quickly and cause symptoms like breathing problems, neurological changes, vomiting, loss of muscle control, or seizures. These require urgent medical help, so call 999 or go to A&E.
Blood cancer symptoms can look different on darker skin tones. Bruises may be harder to spot initially, rashes may appear purple or darker, and pallor may be more noticeable in lips, gums, palms, or nail beds. The experts advise that if you have symptoms, arrange a GP appointment or call NHS 111, and a blood test may be offered. Bloodcancer.org.uk stresses that having symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have blood cancer, but it's important to find out what's causing them.
