Getting diagnosed
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have leukaemia and who might have a more minor condition just based on symptoms. Minor conditions are common and leukaemia is rare. So it would not be the first diagnosis that comes to mind when you are in your GP surgery.
For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better with treatment, such as antibiotics. This is not uncommon. The important thing is to go back to your GP if you’re not getting better.
Your GP should arrange for you to have a blood test or to see a blood specialist if they think you might have acute leukaemia. You usually see a haematologist. This is a doctor that specialises in treating blood conditions. You will see a haematologist as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
Get information on the possible symptoms of ALL
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral to see a specialist.
Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their experience and judgement.
Some of the guidelines have targets around how quickly you are referred. For example, you might have blood tests within 2 days. Or you may see a specialist immediately (within a few hours).
These guidelines vary slightly between the different UK nations.
Your GP will consider any other symptoms that you are having, so do mention these. They might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Go to the risks and causes of ALL
Go back to your GP if your symptoms have not improved, are getting worse or are happening more often.
If you feel your GP is not taking your symptoms as seriously as you'd like, print this page and take it along to the appointment. Ask your GP to explain why they think you should or shouldn’t have a referral.
Find out more about some of the tests you might have
If your GP suspects you have leukaemia you generally have tests to see a specialist quite quickly. This is usually within a few hours or days. Ask your GP when you should get your appointment and contact them again if you don’t get one. Some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral for leukaemia.
Find out more about your urgent referral
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Last reviewed: 17 May 2024
Next review due: 17 May 2027
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. It starts from young white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow.
The symptoms of ALL include feeling tired, frequent infections, high temperature and bruising easily. Find out more.
Your doctor may suspect ALL from a blood test. You then have more tests such as a bone marrow and scans to diagnose and find out more about ALL.
Find out more about Risk and Causes of ALL
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) starts from young white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Find out about symptoms, tests to diagnose, treatments and how to cope.
Find out about childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, how it is diagnosed and treated, and resources and organisations that can help you cope.
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