Amid busy schedules and long work hours, tiredness and fatigue are extremely common. We’re likely to find ourselves yawning, dozing off, or suffering from distressing headaches from time to time. But sometimes, in rare instances, overwhelming exhaustion can be a sign of something more serious. It can be concerning if the problem is consistent and does not go away even with a restful sleep. In this article, we decode how fatigue can be associated with blood cancer and what signs one should watch out for.
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Regular Tiredness Vs. Fatigue Associated With Blood Cancer
Beginning with common observations that can help differentiate between regular tiredness and fatigue linked to blood cancer, Dr Abhishek Dudhatra, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Haematology) - Gold Medallist Fellowship - BMT (NUH, Singapore), explains, "Regular tiredness usually improves with rest or sleep. Fatigue from blood cancer is often more intense and constant and doesn’t go away even after good rest."
"Patients may describe it as a 'deep exhaustion' that affects daily activities like climbing stairs, working, or even simple household tasks," he adds.
Globally, blood cancers accounted for approximately 6.6% of total cancer cases and 7.2% of total cancer-related deaths in 2022. While precise prevalence figures vary by blood cancer type and region, estimates indicate millions of new cases and deaths occur annually.
Hidden Symptoms That Indicate Blood Cancer
While only tests and screenings can confirm your diagnosis, some hidden signs can alert you beforehand. These include:
- Frequent infections that take longer to heal
- Unexplained bruises or bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding)
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits, or groin)
- Shortness of breath or pale skin due to anaemia
Dr Dudhatra notes that many of these can be mistaken for minor issues, which delays diagnosis.
“Young People At Risk Too”
According to Dr Dudhatra, the risk of blood cancers is higher in older adults. However, blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma can occur in children and young adults as well.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, an estimated four lakh children and adolescents of 0–19 years old develop cancer, of which the most common types include leukaemias, brain tumours, lymphomas, and solid tumours such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour.
Dr Dudhatra adds, “Lifestyle and family history play a smaller role here; often it’s genetic changes in the bone marrow cells that cause it.”
Tests To Take
Some of the tests you can take to confirm your diagnosis include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Often the first test, it shows abnormal numbers of red cells, white cells, or platelets.
- Peripheral blood smear: Checks the shape and appearance of blood cells under a microscope.
- Bone marrow biopsy: Gold standard to confirm diagnosis.
- Flow cytometry, genetic and molecular tests: Used for detailed classification and treatment planning.
Conclusion
Regular tiredness can resolve on its own with proper rest and healthy lifestyle choices. However, when it is persistent, one must consider other health challenges, including types of cancers like blood cancer. While it may be too soon to jump to conclusions, if other symptoms make you suspicious, getting tests and consulting a doctor may be the right way to go forward.