Quick answer. Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects how the body makes blood cells, causing fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections and other symptoms. Treatment has advanced considerably, and early assessment of unexplained bruising or persistent fatigue matters.
Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is one of the more well-known blood cancers, and although a diagnosis is understandably frightening, treatment has advanced a great deal and is tailored to the specific type a person has. Leukaemia can affect both children and adults, and care in Singapore is provided by experienced specialist teams.
This guide explains what leukaemia is, the symptoms to be aware of, the main types, how it is diagnosed, and an overview of how it is treated. It is intended to inform calmly, not to alarm – many of the symptoms below are far more often caused by minor, treatable conditions.
At a glance
| Type | Pace | General notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acute leukaemia | Develops and progresses quickly | Needs prompt assessment and treatment |
| Chronic leukaemia | Develops more slowly | May be monitored before treatment in some cases |
| Lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) | Affects lymphoid cells | Includes common childhood types |
| Myeloid (myelogenous) | Affects myeloid cells | Seen across age groups |
| Overlap | Varies | A specialist confirms the exact type with tests |
What is leukaemia?
Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells. Normally the bone marrow makes a controlled balance of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In leukaemia, the marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that do not work properly and crowd out healthy cells. This affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, fight infection and clot, which is what produces the symptoms.
Leukaemia is broadly divided by how fast it develops – acute (fast) or chronic (slower) – and by the type of cell involved – lymphocytic or myeloid. It is one of the cancers that can affect children as well as adults. The exact type matters a great deal, because it shapes both the outlook and the treatment.
Symptoms & signs
Symptoms can be vague and overlap with many ordinary conditions, but may include:
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- Easy bruising or bleeding, including frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Frequent or hard-to-shake infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or night sweats
- Pale skin and breathlessness (from low red blood cells)
- Swollen lymph nodes, or an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Bone or joint aches
Most people with these symptoms do not have leukaemia, but the combination of unexplained bruising or bleeding with persistent fatigue is worth getting checked.
Causes & risk factors
In most cases the exact cause is not known, and leukaemia is not something a person can catch or pass on. Researchers have identified some factors that can raise the risk, though many people with leukaemia have none of them:
- Certain genetic conditions and a family history in some types
- Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy for other cancers
- Exposure to high levels of certain chemicals, such as benzene
- Smoking, which is linked to some types
- Increasing age for some forms, though others affect the young
How it's diagnosed
Leukaemia is usually picked up and confirmed through:
- Blood tests, including a full blood count, which may show abnormal numbers or types of blood cells
- A bone marrow test (biopsy and aspiration), where a small sample is taken to examine the marrow directly
- Specialised laboratory tests on the blood and marrow to identify the exact type and its genetic features
- Imaging scans to check whether other areas are involved
These tests, interpreted by a specialist, determine the precise type of leukaemia and guide the treatment plan.
Treatment options
Treatment is highly individual and depends on the type of leukaemia, its features and the person’s overall health. A specialist team will explain the options, which may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy that acts on specific features of the cancer cells
- Immunotherapy
- Radiotherapy in some situations
- Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant for certain cases
- Active monitoring for some slow-growing chronic types before treatment is needed
Treatment for blood cancers has progressed significantly in recent years. Care is delivered by specialist teams who tailor the plan to each person and support them throughout.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
See a doctor if you have unexplained or persistent symptoms such as ongoing fatigue, repeated infections, unexplained weight loss, or fever and night sweats. Arrange to see a doctor promptly if you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding together with persistent fatigue. If you have heavy, uncontrolled bleeding or you become severely unwell, treat it as an emergency and call 995.
Leukaemia is diagnosed and treated by cancer specialists. You can find one through the directory of best oncologists in Singapore. A GP can arrange initial blood tests and refer you onward if needed.
What to expect when you see a doctor
If you have unexplained fatigue, bruising, repeated infections or other persistent symptoms, a GP will usually start with a full blood count. If the results are abnormal, they will refer you to a blood specialist (haematologist), who may arrange a bone marrow test and specialised laboratory tests to identify the exact type. Bringing a note of your symptoms, how long they have lasted and any medications can help the assessment. Remember that these symptoms are far more often due to common, treatable conditions than to leukaemia.
Supporting yourself through treatment
Treatment can lower your resistance to infection, so simple steps matter: good hand hygiene, keeping up with recommended vaccinations as advised by your team, eating well and resting when you need to. Tell your team promptly about fever or new symptoms, as these can need urgent attention during treatment. Specialist centres in Singapore also provide emotional and practical support for patients and families.
Common questions
Does easy bruising mean I have leukaemia?
Usually not. Bruising has many ordinary causes. It is the combination of unexplained bruising or bleeding with persistent fatigue or frequent infections that is worth getting checked.
Can leukaemia be cured?
Many people respond well to modern treatment, and some types can be cured. The outlook depends on the specific type and individual factors your specialist will discuss.
Is leukaemia inherited or contagious?
Leukaemia is not contagious. Most cases are not inherited, though a small number of types are linked to genetic factors.
Related guides
- Best Oncology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- oncology clinics directory
- Prostatitis
- Gout
- Pinched nerve
- Lymphoma
- Cervical cancer
Sources
- HealthHub Singapore – Cancer
- NHS – Leukaemia (acute and chronic)
- Mayo Clinic – Leukemia
- National Cancer Centre Singapore
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