Symptoms
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Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
CLL tends to progress slowly and many people with CLL may not experience symptoms for years. Symptoms of CLL can also be linked to many other conditions, making it difficult to self-detect the disease without proper testing.
The most common symptoms include:
- Frequent infections
- Anaemia: persistent tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Bleeding and bruising more easily than normal
- Abdominal swelling and discomfort
- Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, and groin
CLL is often detected during routine check-ups and blood tests for other health problems, as the cancerous cells can be easily detected in the blood.
Unlike bowel or breast cancer, it’s not common practice to routinely screen for CLL, but it is important to contact your doctor as soon as you experience any of the mentioned symptoms or any other changes in your health.
References
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NHS. Treatment: chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia/treatment/. Last accessed: February 2025.
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Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Anxiety and Depression. Available at: https://www.lls.org/treatment/managing-side-effects/anxiety-and-depression. Last accessed: February 2025.
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World Health Organization: Europe. Food Based Dietary Guidelines in the WHO European Region. Available at: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/107490. Last accessed: February 2025.
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World Health Organization: Europe. Alcohol in the European Union: Consumption, harm and policy approaches. Available at: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/107301 Last accessed: February 2025.
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NHS. The risks of drinking too much. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/the-risks-of-drinking-too-much/ Last accessed: February 2025.
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NHS. Tips for a lower salt diet. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/tips-for-a-lower-salt-diet/ Last accessed: February 2025.
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American Cancer Society. Physical activity and the person with cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/be-healthy-after-treatment/physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient.html Last accessed: February 2025.
