When it comes to cancer, it is crucial to detect it in time to prevent further spread or growth. Not detecting the disease in time is therefore many people’s worst nightmare.
But there is an early indicator that few know about that can be decisive. It is an early warning signal. A specialist in leukemia warns of a characteristic sign of a dangerous form of cancer that can manifest itself on the hands.
Simon Ridley, director of research and advocacy at Leukemia UK, points out in an interview with Express that bruises on the hands can be an indication of leukemia.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood cells in the bone marrow, especially the white blood cells. Each year around 9,900 people in the UK are diagnosed with leukemia and the disease causes around 4,800 deaths each year.
It is therefore important to be aware of the early warning signs to ensure prompt treatment and support.
An early “red flag”
According to Simon Ridley, one of the earliest signs of leukemia is bruising.
Although bruises often appear without signs of serious illness and are usually considered harmless, they can be an indicator of cancer when they appear unexpectedly and are more pronounced than usual.
Such bruises will also take significantly longer to heal.
Often these marks can be accompanied by symptoms such as nosebleeds and heavier periods, which can also indicate the disease.
Other symptoms of leukemia
According to Ridley, other symptoms of leukemia can include fatigue, fever, and frequent infections.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should therefore contact your doctor as soon as possible, as they may be signs of a serious illness.
