Living well with Leukaemia

It's important to look after yourself, your body and your mind following a diagnosis of a blood cancer.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, having treatment or recovering from blood cancer, you may feel as though you need support emotionally, practically and financially. There is support out there and lots of ways to look after yourself during this time.

The information on these pages provides practical tips on looking after you during and after your cancer treatment.

Vaccines

For advice on vaccines and blood cancer in general, read our helpful article on why blood cancer patients need vaccinations.

Fatigue

Fatigue is the most commonly reported side effect of leukaemia. Find out more about coping with fatigue.

Diet and Nutrition

Following a blood cancer diagnosis, diet and nutrition may not be the first thing that you want to think about. However eating a balanced diet is one of the best choices you can make for your overall health.

Survivorship

The aim of ‘picking up where one left off’ before the cancer diagnosis is a real challenge for many people. There is an expectation that completing active treatment will bring a sense of relief and optimism, however, many people describe feeling insecure, isolated, fearful and an overall sense of vulnerability during this time.

Support for the family

When somebody is diagnosed with a blood cancer, the whole family can be affected.

Exercise

Physical activity may not be at the top of your priorities following a diagnosis of blood cancer. However it can be an important part of your recovery after and during cancer treatment.

Employment

The following information is aimed at those who have been affected by a leukaemia diagnosis and the associated issues raised with employment

Appearance

Following a blood cancer diagnosis, you will have many questions. Some of these may relate to changes to your appearance during cancer treatment.

Financial issues

At the time of a blood cancer diagnosis, your first and main thought should be your wellbeing. But sometimes, financial issues can also be a worry and you may need help to cope with this.

Wellbeing

The physical and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment can be very difficult to cope with. Some people find that using complementary therapies alongside conventional treatment can help them to manage their stress and anxiety before, during and after treatment.

Emotional Support

You may feel a mixture of emotions following a blood cancer diagnosis. We’re here to help you cope with the emotional impact of being diagnosed and living with a blood cancer.

Travel

A holiday is usually a time of relaxation, but after a blood cancer diagnosis, you may find it harder to find a travel insurance company that will cover you. It can be difficult, but planning your trip more carefully can help you feel more relaxed, leaving time for you to enjoy your holiday.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a rapidly progressing type of leukaemia. Almost 350 cases of ALL are diagnosed in adults in the UK each year.

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View our latest news and blog articles

September 3rd

COVID-19 vaccine programme next steps for leukaemia patients: third doses and boosters

There has been much discussion in the media of both a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine and booster programmes. This has caused some confusion; this article aims to explain who is eligible for each programme and how they differ from each other. Note: to the best of our knowledge, this advice applies across the UK....

September 2nd

Leukaemia Care and OPAAL team up for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

We've teamed up with the Older People's Advocacy Alliance (OPAAL) to raise awareness of leukaemia in the 65+ community. Find out more about our collaboration....

August 31st

Blood test tube shortages

You may have heard some news over the last couple of weeks that there is a shortage of tubes needed for collecting blood during blood tests. In this blog, we answer some of your questions about what this means for leukaemia patients. ...