A Coatbridge man who is now cancer-free after treatment for a chronic form of blood cancer has joined forces with two leukaemia charities to share the importance of recognising symptoms early.

Bill McGugan was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer after his employer sent him for a routine health check after experiencing fatigue.

His wife, Alison, said they were “in absolute shock” to learn that his feeling unusually tired was a sign of something so serious, thinking “it must have been a mistake” when the GP suggested cancer.

After further testing at Monklands hospital revealed Bill had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), Alison says the family were devastated:

“The doctors said unless they started treatment now he would be dead in six months to a year.

“We had a young son and I had to be brave for both him and Bill, but I just couldn’t comprehend what was happening.”

Charities Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care says this shock and a delay in diagnosis can be all too common for leukaemia due to its varied symptoms.

Bill and Alison have chosen to tell their story to mark Blood Cancer Awareness month in September.

After having his cancer spotted early, receiving a bone marrow transplant from his father and receiving a new drug through a clinical trial, Bill has been cancer-free for 24 years.

The charities say Bill’s case shows why early diagnosis is ‘critical’ to improved survival rates.

Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK, says many people aren’t aware of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia until they or someone they know is diagnosed:

“Early diagnosis saves lives, so we want to make sure more people are aware of the signs and symptoms and know to contact their GP to ask for a full blood count test if they’re experiencing them. Together, we can stop leukaemia devastating so many lives.” 

With 28 people in the UK diagnosed with leukaemia every day, the charities say for more people to access treatment early, improved awareness of the common – and often overlooked – symptoms is vital.

These include extreme tiredness or fatigue, bruising, unusual bleeding and repeated inflections and currently only 14% of adults across the UK are aware that these are the main symptoms of leukaemia.

Launching the #SpotLeukaemia campaign, the charities are urging people across Scotland and the rest of the UK to recognise the symptoms and ask their GP for help if they have them.

Colin Dyer, Leukaemia Care Chief Executive says Bill’s story is a powerful reminder that leukaemia can affect anyone, at any age, and that the signs are often subtle and easy to miss:

“Too many people can spend months searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis.

“That’s why our #SpotLeukaemia campaign is so important — it helps people recognise the key symptoms and empowers them to seek medical advice sooner.

“Early diagnosis can make all the difference to treatment options and outcomes, and raising awareness is vital in saving lives.”

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