Singer Halsey reveals she is ‘lucky to be alive’ as she hints she has been battling lupus and leukaemia.
The 29-year-old American pop star, real name Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, revealed her health battle on Instagram, which showed the singer receiving infusions while also breaking down in tears.
While her exact diagnosis was not immediately clear, the ‘Castle’ and ‘Closer’ singer tagged both The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Lupus Research Alliance in her post.
There are more than 9,900 new cases of leukaemia each year in the UK and more than 62,700 in the US.
Leukaemia, which is a type of blood cancer, can be hard to diagnose because the tell-tale symptoms can often indicate other unrelated illnesses, experts say. Here, MailOnline reveals some of the most common signs.
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Constantly feeling tired and dizzy is one tell-tale sign of leukaemia, according to Blood Cancer UK.
Leukaemia, which affects the blood cells, can trigger anaemia by stopping your body making healthy red blood cells.
This can make you feel tired and unwell, which can easily be confused with the flu, according to cancer charity Macmillan.
At the same time, it might make you look pale or washed out and even feel dizzy or lightheaded, experts say.
Just like with most symptoms of cancer, however, numerous other conditions could be to blame for the same warning signs.
Keep getting infections
Frequently getting coughs and colds that last a long time or are difficult to shake off can be another sign to visit your GP.
Although it might be harmless, it could also be a sign of leukaemia.
This is because, just as it can affect how red blood cells are made, it can stop your body from making white blood cells normally.
White blood cells usually fight off infections and diseases.
Therefore, having less of them can make you feel run down.
Low white blood cells can also lead to mouth sores and a sore throat, according to the NHS.
Bruising easily
Bruising without any obvious cause is another potential symptom of the disease.
It might also leave people more fragile than normal, with them bruising at slighter touches than before.
Unusual bleeding, blood spots or rashes on the skin is the result of a low number of platelets, says Macmillan.
Platelets help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and to help wounds heal. As a result, low numbers of them can cause unusual bruising.
Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue inside our bones.
Bleeding gums
Just like bruising, low numbers of platelets can also lead to unusual bleeding.
Bleeding gums, for example when you are cleaning your teeth, can be a warning sign of the disease, Cancer Research UK says.
Other unusual, or frequent bleeding, such as nosebleeds or heavy periods can also be an alarm bell.
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Fever
Having a high temperature can be another early warning sign of the cancer.
The lack of white blood cells can lead to knock-on infections.
However, Blood Cancer UK says night sweats are another potential symptom.
Macmillan describes it as being ‘enough to soak through bedclothes and bedding’.
It occurs as a result of the body’s internal war against the cancer.
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin can be a warning sign of many illnesses.
This can include leukaemia.
These glands, known as lymph glands or lymph nodes, may be sore when you touch them, the NHS says.
Lymph nodes play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections.
They usually swell up as a result of a viral or bacterial infection.
Although swollen lymph nodes are rarely caused by cancer, if you notice they are swollen and you do not have an infection, you should make a visit to your GP.
Aching joints
Leukaemia can cause a dull or stabbing pain in your joints and bones.
This pain can be worse at different times of the day, says Cancer Research UK.
It can be felt in the long bones of the arms and legs and in the ribs.
It’s often caused by too many abnormal white blood cells collecting in the bones, joints or lymph nodes leading to pain and swelling, experts say.
Some may also have pain below the ribs on their left side, which can be caused by your liver or spleen swelling.
Headaches
Frequent headaches and visual disturbances can be associated with brain tumours.
But they are also a symptom of leukaemia.
This is because a very high white blood cell count can clog the smallest blood vessels in the brain.
This can cause headaches, Cancer Research UK says.
Too many white blood cells can also cause eye problems, but this symptom is less common, experts say.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
