A Salisbury councilor diagnosed with leukaemia aged just 26 urges awareness about one of the deadliest forms of cancer when recent research revealed that 54 per cent of people in the region are unable to name any symptoms.
Charles McGrath was visiting friends in Bristol in the summer of 2022, and was surprised to find himself breathless and sweaty while traversing the hills of Clifton. This was despite walking many miles each week.
He said: “I could normally manage hills easily. But as I walked up this one hill towards the restaurant where my friends were waiting, I found myself panting heavily and having to take a break.”
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This was one of the most dramatic of the symptoms he had experienced since April when he'd had a bout of cold sores which kept appearing and disappearing.
Repeated chest infections occurred in the following months.
When at the Acute Medical Unit at Salisbury District Hospital, in September 2022, Charles was given the shocking diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
AML is a type of blood cancer which progresses rapidly, and is most often diagnosed in those aged 75 or older.
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Charles went on to spend 90 days in hospital enduring multiple rounds of “gruelling” chemotherapy and found the third round of chemo – high dose cytarabine – the hardest, leaving him suffering from nausea, vomiting, sore eyes, and fevers.
He said: “I've found keeping a positive mindset has allowed me to pull through.”
Treatment is continuing while he waits for his measurable residual disease result. This will determine whether he needs a bone marrow transplant in the future.
He said: “Leukaemia has been an education. Aside from the medical knowledge I’ve had to absorb at breakneck speeds since September, I’ve learnt about myself, my mortality and my newfound desire to live life to the full.”
Charles is now supporting a new campaign by leading blood cancer charities, Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia UK, urging the public to know the four most common symptoms of leukaemia – fatigue, bruising, repeat infections and unexplained bleeding.
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Charles added: “I would urge people to know the symptoms, study the signs, and always go to your GP if you feel you’re experiencing them.
"Chances are they are not AML, but never rule it out without seeing your doctor. I was 26 at diagnosis. Leukaemia is not exclusively an over-65’s disease. It can happen to anyone.”
The #SpotLeukaemia campaign was launched this Blood Cancer Awareness Month to tackle widespread awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia as a late diagnosis impacts survival rates.
Only half of leukaemia patients live longer than five years after their diagnosis, making it one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
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Chief executive of Leukaemia Care, Zack Pemberton-Whitely said: "The statistics from our recent survey show just how worryingly low awareness of leukaemia is and why our Spot Leukaemia campaign is so very important in changing people’s perceptions of this form of blood cancer.
"The survey found that just 0.4 per cent of those who responded (2,002 people), could identify all four of the main symptoms of leukaemia – fatigue, unusual and unexplained bruising or bleeding, and repeated infections."
For more information visit the Spot Leukaemia website at spotleukaemia.org.uk.
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