June is AML Awareness Month! Don't Miss These Crucial Symptoms!

As June rolls in, it’s time to shed light on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) during AML Awareness Month. This aggressive blood cancer requires swift action, yet many are unaware of the early, subtle signs that can mean life or death.

Often, it starts with fatigue, a lingering fever, or unexplained bruises. These symptoms may seem innocuous at first, but ignoring them could be catastrophic. Awareness about AML is critical, especially in regions like India where late detection can severely impact outcomes.

What is AML?

AML is a cancer that affects your blood and bone marrow, resulting in the production of abnormal white blood cells that disrupt the body’s defense mechanisms. According to Dr. Sameer Melinkeri, a Hemato-oncologist and Director of Bone Marrow Transplant at Sahyadri Hospital in Pune, "AML symptoms often mimic common illnesses like fever or fatigue, leading to a dangerous oversight—delayed diagnosis. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

Recognizing the Signs: Key Symptoms of AML

• Persistent fatigue or weakness • Unexplained fever or night sweats • Frequent or severe infections • Easy bruising or bleeding • Pale skin (indicative of anemia) • Bone pain

The Diagnosis Dilemma

Diagnosing AML typically involves a complete blood count followed by a bone marrow biopsy. In India, where many illnesses are attributed to viral infections like dengue, AML can easily be overlooked until it’s too late. The Indian Council of Medical Research estimates that blood cancers account for 8-10% of all cancer cases, with AML being a significant factor in adult cases.

Is There Hope for Treatment?

Yes, but it’s a complicated journey. Treatment can be costly, as Dr. Melinkeri points out. Traditionally, intensive chemotherapy or Bone Marrow Transplant were the standard methods, but these aren't feasible for everyone—especially the elderly. Sadly, only about half of patients can afford complete treatment courses. Thankfully, innovative therapies like Ivosidenib, Azacitidine, and Venetoclax are emerging, targeting specific mutations in AML while sparing healthy cells.

Why Awareness is Key!

In a country like India, a lack of awareness is a formidable foe. Symptoms are often ignored not out of indifference, but due to a lack of knowledge. This June, AML Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder: if something feels off, listen to your body and consult a doctor. AML may be rare, but its rapid progression signifies that waiting is not an option.

Stay vigilant, because early detection can save lives. Spread the word and make sure you and your loved ones know how to spot the subtle signs of AML!