Leukaemia: early symptoms and the importance of timely care

PETALING JAYA: Leukaemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, remains among the top 10 most common cancers in Malaysia.

The disease broadly falls into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute forms develop quickly and require prompt diagnosis and treatment, while chronic types progress more slowly and may sometimes be monitored before treatment begins.

Regardless of type, early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes. But it can be hard to detect.

Unlike many other cancers, leukaemia does not form a visible lump or tumour. There is also no routine population screening programme. Diagnosis often depends on recognising early symptoms and confirming them through a simple blood test.

The challenge is that many early warning signs can be subtle and easily mistaken for common illnesses or everyday fatigue. People may dismiss symptoms or rely on home remedies, delaying medical evaluation.

This can be particularly problematic in rural or remote areas, where access to healthcare information and diagnostic facilities may be limited. In addition, public awareness of blood cancers in Malaysia remains relatively low compared with more widely discussed cancers such as breast, lung or colorectal cancer.

Recognising early symptoms can make a significant difference. Some common warning signs include:

• persistent fatigue or weakness;
• recurrent or prolonged fever;
• frequent infections;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• unexplained weight loss;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• bone or joint pain;
• pale skin.

In some cases, leukaemia may not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, a simple full blood count test can often provide early clues and prompt further investigation.

Treatment has come a long way

A common misconception is that all blood cancers are fatal. In reality, treatment outcomes have improved significantly in recent years; in fact, certain types of leukaemia – particularly some subtypes and childhood cases – are now considered potentially curable.

Advances in diagnostics have also improved doctors’ ability to identify and classify blood cancers more accurately. Modern testing methods include flow cytometry, genetic analysis, and molecular testing, which help doctors tailor treatment to individual patients.

Treatment options have expanded as well. Many patients now benefit from targeted therapies, improved supportive care, and infection prevention measures.

In addition, stem-cell transplantation programmes have become more advanced, while emerging treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy are beginning to offer new hope for selected patients.

Awareness can save lives

Raising public awareness is key to improving early detection. Global initiatives such as blood cancer awareness month every September play a part.

In Malaysia, public healthcare facilities such as klinik kesihatan and government hospitals regularly conduct sessions to help communities identify warning signs and seek timely care.

NGOs and private-sector groups also play an important role. Organisations such as the National Cancer Society Malaysia and Majlis Kanser Nasional (Makna) organise outreach programmes, social media campaigns, and free or subsidised health screenings.

As leukaemia continues to affect Malaysians of all ages, staying alert to early symptoms can make a lifesaving difference. Parents, teachers, employers and community leaders all have a role to play in encouraging timely medical check-ups and not dismissing symptoms as minor or harmless.

This article was written by Dr Farzana Rizwan and Dr Imam Shaik from the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University.