Eilidh-Ann Dewar is celebrating life after overcoming a rare form of leukaemia, which she was diagnosed and successfully treated for in 2018 at the age of 34.
Getting checked for blood cancer
As the symptoms of blood cancer can be quite vague, often people delay speaking to their GP practice because they feel like they will be wasting time. But your GP practice won’t think this – they will want to hear from you.
Because when cancer is found at an earlier stage, more treatment options could be available.
Your concerns will be listened to and, depending on what you’re experiencing, the primary care clinician may:
- Reassure you
- Ask for more information on when your symptoms started and whether anything makes them better or worse
- Arrange for you to have blood tests
- Refer you to the hospital for further tests
FACTS
-
Blood cancers are collectively the 5th most common cancer type in Scotland.
-
Around 2300 people are diagnosed each year*.
-
Around 80% of people diagnosed are aged 55+**.
-
Around 3 out of 5 people survive Blood cancer or Leukaemias for at least 5 years.