PEOPLE have an 'extremely worrying' non-existent awareness of leukaemia symptoms, warn a Worcester charity.

People are being urged to take notice of the symptoms of leukaemia, as new research published today shows that none of those surveyed in the West Midlands were able to identify ALL four of most widely reported symptoms.

They include fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding and repeated infections.

Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that affects people of all ages and 28 people receive a leukaemia diagnosis every day in the UK – that’s over 10,000 every year. 

Overall survival for leukaemia stands at just over 50 per cent - making it one of the most deadly forms of cancer.

Early diagnosis could save lives but the recent public survey by Leukaemia UK and Worcester-based Leukaemia Care found over two-fifths did not recognise any symptoms

The two charities are collaborating on an important campaign, #SpotLeukaemia, to raise awareness of the symptoms ahead of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer and third deadliest.

People who are concerned about any of these symptoms - fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding and repeated infections – are being strongly urged by the charities to contact their GP and request a blood test.

Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, Chief Executive of Leukaemia Care said, "To hear that less than 1 per cent of the UK public are able to identify the three most common symptoms of leukaemia is extremely worrying.

"Early diagnosis of leukaemia can improve survival.

"With over 10,000 people being diagnosed every year with leukaemia, this shows just how important it is to continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and how much work needs to be done."

More information is available on the Spot Leukaemia website at www.spotleukaemia.org.uk.