World Blood Cancer Day 2025
DKMS is an international charity which leads World Blood Cancer Day. On this day, many people, organisations and countries come together to show their support for those living with blood cancer and to raise awareness about the various types of blood cancer.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the symptoms of blood cancer, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment and the support available for blood cancer patients and their families through campaigns and workshops to share experiences and stories of hope.
What is blood cancer?
The most common types of blood cancer are leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. There are also other types known as MPNs and MDS. Blood cancer can be caused by changes (mutations) within the blood cells in the DNA, which causes the blood cells to start behaving abnormally.
It is important to note that blood cancer is not in our control; it is not something that depends on genetics. However, things that are linked to an increased risk are age, sex, ethnicity, radiation exposure and some health conditions and treatments. Find out more here.
In the UK, blood cancer is the fifth most prevalent form of cancer, where every year 40,000 people are diagnosed. To find out more about the prevalence of blood cancer in the UK, click here.
How can I recognise the symptoms of blood cancer?
The symptoms of blood cancer can vary from one person to another, but the most common symptoms of blood cancer are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained bruising and bleeding
- Lumps and swelling
- Breathlessness
- Persistent and recurring infections
- Tiredness that won't improve with sufficient sleep
Find out more about other symptoms of blood cancer here. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult your GP immediately, and if you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, call 999.
Where can I find support to care for a loved one who has been diagnosed?
If someone you know needs treatment for blood cancer, find out how you can help them and the practical support that’s available to you by visiting Blood Cancer UK for more information.
It is also important that you take care of yourself because supporting a loved one can have a big impact on your mental and physical well-being. Find out more about how you can look after yourself when someone you love has blood cancer.
How can I support this cause?
You can get involved in many ways to support those with blood cancer and to help beat the disease. For instance, you can sign up to be a blood donor through the Give Blood website.
You can also become a stem cell donor. Support the campaign on social media by sharing #WBCD.
Many families and friends of loved ones with blood cancer participate in the London Marathon every year to fundraise for vital blood cancer research and support, or to run in memory of someone they know. Sign up for the London Marathon 2026 to support the cause.
By staying informed, registering as a donor and supporting research, each of us can make a difference to beat blood cancer.
