Know the Signs. Act on Them. It Saves Lives.

Research and campaigns by ALAN have consistently shown one thing: men are significantly less engaged in leukemia prevention, awareness, and early detection than women. That gap has real consequences. Acute leukemia is fast-moving — it can progress from early symptoms to a critical stage within weeks. Knowing what to look for, and actually acting on it, is one of the most powerful things a man can do for himself and for those who love him.

UNDERSTANDING THE DISEASE

What Is Acute Leukemia?

Leukemia is a blood cancer affecting white blood cells, which normally fight infection. In acute leukemia, abnormal white cells are produced in large amounts in the bone marrow — growing so fast they crowd out healthy cells. This disrupts the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, fight infection, and clot properly, producing the symptoms described in this newsletter.

There are several subtypes. The most common include:

Code	Full Name	Key Notes
AML	Acute Myeloid Leukemia	More common in older adults; can progress from MDS or MPN
ALL	Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia	Affects lymphoblasts; more common in children but adults are affected too
APL	Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia	Rare subtype of AML with distinct treatment approach

“Symptoms can be vague and non-specific — not everyone experiences the same signs before diagnosis. Knowing what to look out for could help you visit your doctor sooner.”

RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS

Seven Symptoms Men Tend to Dismiss

These symptoms are easy to explain away as stress, aging, or overwork. Don’t. If any of these persist for two or more weeks, contact your doctor. Early diagnosis in acute leukemia is especially critical — time matters.

Symptom	What to know
Extreme Fatigue	The most common symptom of blood cancer. Tiredness that does not improve with rest, keeps returning, or is getting progressively worse. Pay attention if fatigue lasts more than 2 weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Shortness of Breath	Breathlessness during ordinary, everyday activities — or a noticeable ‘sudden drop in fitness.’ Often mistaken for aging or lack of exercise. Approximately one-third of patients report this prior to diagnosis.
Frequent Infections	Recurring fevers, sore throats, or infections your body struggles to fight off. This is a sign your immune system may be compromised. About a quarter of patients experience this before diagnosis.
Unusual Bruising or Bleeding	Bruises in unusual places, many bruises with no clear cause, or wounds that take longer to heal. The 4th most common leukemia symptom — do not dismiss unexplained bruising.
Fever or Night Sweats	Severe night sweats that soak clothing or bedding despite a cool environment, especially when combined with unexplained weight loss or other symptoms.
Bone or Joint Pain	A constant dull ache or sharp pain in the arms, legs, or chest — present even at rest. About a quarter of patients experience this. It is often mistaken for arthritis or muscle strain.
Unexplained Weight Loss	Losing weight or appetite without dietary changes. When combined with other symptoms on this list, this warrants prompt medical attention.

⚠  IMPORTANT: Acute leukemia develops quickly. The window between noticing symptoms and seeking care can significantly affect outcomes. If something feels off for more than two weeks, see a doctor — do not wait.

THE AWARENESS GAP

Why Men Are More at Risk from Late Diagnosis

ALAN’s own research shows that men are less likely to participate in leukemia awareness initiatives, less likely to seek medical attention early, and underrepresented in the communities built to support patients. Among all of ALAN’s social media followers, only 30% are men — while women make up 70%.

This is not a biological difference — it is a behavioral one. The same patterns that keep men from visiting the doctor for general health keep them from acting on blood cancer symptoms: dismissing fatigue as ‘normal,’ attributing breathlessness to fitness, or simply not wanting to seem concerned.

The goal is to bridge the awareness and prevention gap between men and women — because that gap has consequences for survival.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Listen to Your Body — Then Act

Awareness is only the first step. These actions can make a real difference:

• Don’t wait two months — wait two weeks. With acute leukemia, time matters. If you have had unexplained fatigue, bruising, or recurring infections for more than two weeks, call your doctor promptly.
• Ask for a full blood count. A simple blood test is often the first step in leukemia diagnosis. If you are describing these symptoms, it is reasonable to ask your doctor specifically for one.
• Keep a symptom record. Note when symptoms started, how often they occur, and how they feel. This context is valuable for your doctor and helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Talk to the people around you. Partners, friends, and family often notice changes before we do. Let them be part of your health awareness — not just your diagnosis story.
• Know that treatment options exist. Acute leukemia is treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant. Early diagnosis opens more doors. Late diagnosis closes them.

FOR PATIENTS AND CARERS

You Are Not Alone in This

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with acute leukemia, ALAN connects patients and carers with member organizations worldwide. From understanding your diagnosis to navigating treatment options and clinical trials, the network exists to support you at every stage.

#WeAreMen  ·  #BeLeukemiaAware  ·  #EarlyDiagnosisSavesLives