The main symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia are caused by the increased number of blast cells in the blood, which reduces the number of normal blood cells. The main signs and symptoms are:

Looking pale which may be due to anaemia caused by a lack of red blood cells.

Feeling very tired, even breathless, at the slightest effort.

Feeling generally unwell and run-down, perhaps with a sore throat or sore mouth.

Aching joints and bones The bones can be affected by leukaemia cells.

Having various infections one after the other, caused by a lack of healthy white blood cells.

Unusual bleeding caused by a reduction in the number of platelets. This may include bruising (bruises may appear without any apparent injury), heavy periods in women, bleeding gums, and frequent nose bleeds.

Occasionally, a person will not have any of these symptoms and the leukaemia is discovered during a routine blood test.

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia may appear very quickly over a few weeks, and treatment needs to be given as soon as possible. If you have any of these symptoms you should have them checked by your doctor - but remember, they are common to many illnesses other than leukaemia.