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A campaign run by
#SpotLeukaemia
Bruising: a leukaemia symptom
Is bruising a sign of leukaemia?
Yes, bruising can be a sign of leukaemia.
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Most bruises are normal and happen when we bump into things. However, some bruises may be a clue that something more serious is happening.
Bruises that might mean leukaemia:
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Bruises in strange places – like your back, hands or legs, where you don’t normally get them.
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Lots of bruises – if you have many bruises at once, and don’t know why.
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Bruises for no reason – if they show up without bumping into anything.
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Bruises that won’t go away – they last longer than four weeks or get bigger.
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Other bleeding – like nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or very heavy periods.
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I'm experiencing bruising - what do I do?
If you are experiencing unexplained bruising, you should contact your GP and ask for a blood test. It might not be leukaemia, but it could be something else so it's important you get it checked out.
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Jan’s Story: From first day nerves to a life-saving diagnosis
On her very first day as a Senior Sister, Jan noticed unusual bruising on her legs. What she thought was fluff on her tights turned out to be purpuric bruises—a symptom she couldn’t ignore.
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A quick chat with a colleague led to a blood test, and within 24 hours, Jan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
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Despite the shock, Jan faced chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and unimaginable loss with resilience. Today, she’s 66 and thriving.
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Know the signs:
✔ Unusual bruising
✔ Extreme fatigue
✔ Frequent infections
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Early diagnosis saves lives. Ask your doctor for a blood test.
Jan Henry, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) patient
When should I worry?
Most bruises or rashes are not serious. But sometimes, they can be a sign of something more.
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Leukaemia can be hard to spot because its signs can look like other everyday problems.
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Go to the doctor if:
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You get bruises a lot
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The bruises don’t go away
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You have other signs that don’t feel right
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If you are experiencing unexplained bruising that doesn't go away, contact your GP and ask for a blood test.
