Symptoms of leukaemia
Leukaemia and other blood cancers can cause vague symptoms. They vary depending on the type of leukaemia you have and how it is affecting you. The symptoms are usually caused by having low numbers of some blood cells, high numbers of some blood cells, or some blood cells that do not work properly. Some people might not have any symptoms but have abnormal blood test results.
Common symptoms of leukaemia
Some of the more common symptoms of leukaemia include:
Feeling exhausted or worn out, even after resting.
Bruising easily, or for no reason at all.
Unusual bleeding, like nosebleeds, bleeding gums or heavier periods than usual.
Infections that last a long time or keep coming back.
Fever for no obvious reason.
Sweating a lot at night.
Feeling breathless.
Joint or bone pain.
A rash of tiny red, purple or darker dots under your skin. This may be harder to see on black or brown skin.
Looking pale. If you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on your palms, gums or the insides of your eyelids.
Swollen lymph nodes (glands) that don’t go down within a few weeks.
Tummy pain, bloating or feeling full quickly after eating.
Losing weight without trying to.
These symptoms can be caused by lots of different illnesses, like infections, low vitamin levels or autoimmune conditions.
Should I be worried?
Most people who have these symptoms do not have leukaemia. But if you are worried about any of these symptoms, contact your GP and ask for a blood test.
Need support?
You are not alone. We're here for you whether you have a diagnosis yourself or know someone who has. If you'd like advice, support, or a listening ear, call our freephone helpline on 08088 010 444 or send a WhatsApp message to 07500 068 065.
About our information
This information is aimed at people in the UK. We do our best to make sure it is accurate and up to date but it should not replace advice from your health professional. Find out more about our information.
Page last reviewed: 31 January 2026
Updated January 2026
Next review due: 31 January 2029
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