LMRUK: Be blood cancer aware this September

OVER 40,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every year in the UK, yet Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK) says more needs to be done to raise awareness of this form of cancer and help people to recognise the common symptoms to look out for.

September is host to several awareness days and campaigns all with the same mission of highlighting the UK’s fifth most common cancer and third biggest cancer killer.

LMRUK is sharing what’s happening this September and how you can get involved.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month – #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth

From the 1^st to the 30^th of September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month is the leading initiative with dedicated charities in this field of cancer using their platforms to share information and the common symptoms to look out for to improve earlier diagnosis.

LMRUK is going to be sharing stories from the blood cancer community about the symptoms they first had to encourage others to seek earlier diagnosis if something doesn’t feel right, and their experiences.

Keep an eye on their website, Facebook, Twitter (X) and LinkedIn to find out more, and don’t forget to share the facts and stats posted with your networks to help raise awareness!

World Leukaemia Day – #WorldLeukaemiaDay

Wednesday 4^th September marks World Leukaemia Day – a global awareness day focusing on this form of blood cancer.

Did you know, Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow? This form of cancer produces too many immature white blood cells which stop the body from producing the other types of cells which are essential for the immune system.

There are many types of Leukaemia, but the four most common are:

1. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
2. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
3. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
4. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

On 4^th September, LMRUK will be sharing information about Leukaemia across social media.

If you’d like to show your support, make sure you’re following on social media and share the details with your networks to help educate others.

World Lymphoma Day – #WorldLymphomaDay

This year, World Lymphoma Day is held on Sunday 15^th September. It’s an international initiative dedicated to improving education on Lymphoma.

Did you know, Lymphoma is a cancer of a specific type of white cell called a lymphocyte? They are part of the immune system and are found in your blood, bone marrow, lymph glands and spleen. It is caused by lymphocytes not dying when they should or not dividing normally.

There are two main types of Lymphoma; Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The most common symptoms include swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpit or groin.

Help to raise awareness by sharing facts and stats on social media with your networks to spread the word. Your support will help LMRUK’s mission to educate others to spot the common symptoms and seek medical advice from a GP.

World Cancer Research Day – #WorldCancerResearchDay

Tuesday 24^th September is World Cancer Research Day, an annual celebration of the important role research plays in beating blood cancer once and for all.

Research is at the heart of LMRUK. The charity funds crucial new research projects to improve knowledge and advance understanding of the cause, diagnosis and treatments for blood cancer.

In 2022, Dr Ricardo Fernades and his team at the University of Oxford’s Department of Medicine were awarded funding to support their work investigating shutting down a malfunctioning protein linked with a high number of blood cancer cases.

Two years on, as a result of that initial work, Dr Fernades and his team received further support through funding for a five-year Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship.

This World Cancer Research Day, LMRUK is going to be announcing the successful applicants of its 2024 research grants – keep your eyes peeled to find out more!

The charity is awarding two grants worth a total of £65,000 to advance research projects exploring how stem cells can be used to help treat blood cancer patients.

For more information about LMRUK’s annual research grant scheme, please visit: https://lmruk.org/research/.