Leukemia is cancer that affects the lymphatic system and the bone marrow. There are several types of leukemia, and this form of cancer affects the white blood cells, in particular, causing them to malfunction. Fortunately, being aware of certain early warning signs can help diagnose the onset of leukemia. 

Here are some of the early warning signs of leukemia:

• Exhaustion:  Exhaustion or fatigue may be a sign of any disease, but it is commonly associated with leukemia. This mainly happens because oxygen levels in the body fall low and make the person feel weak. The person will feel tired even if they get adequate sleep.
• Swollen lymph nodes:  Leukemia affects the lymph nodes and causes them to swell up. The disease usually affects the lymph nodes in the neck and underarms in this symptom.
• Increased bruises on the body:  Leukemia leads to lower platelet count. Since platelets help form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding in the case of a bruise, people with leukemia might notice that they bleed very often or might even develop unexplained spots or bruises on their skin.
• Frequent infections:  Leukemia affects the white blood cells that are responsible for fighting illnesses. So, people with leukemia have an increased risk of developing infections and illnesses. The patient may also experience sudden or unexplained bouts of fever that occur as a result of the body being unable to fight off infections because of the cancerous white blood cells.
• Sweating at night:  Several illnesses lead to night sweats, but the severity of this symptom is far more severe in people with leukemia. In such cases, one can find their entire body dripping with sweat, even if it’s not humid. Although it is called night sweats, this sweating can also occur during the day. 
• Abdominal swelling:  Cancerous white blood cells may start to accumulate in the patient’s spleen and cause the stomach to swell. This leads to the development of some of the most common early warning signs of leukemia, like pain in the abdominal region and a loss of appetite. In some cases, patients may also feel full as soon as they eat a little.
• Pain in the bones:  Since leukemia affects the bone marrow, one of the early warning signs of the condition is pain in the bones. This pain is a result of cancerous cells filling the bone marrow, and it can also affect the joints. Leukemia patients commonly feel this pain in their hips.
• Headaches:  If cancer reaches the brain and spinal cord, it leads to several symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In some cases, patients may also experience seizures.

If one notices any of these early warning signs of leukemia, it’s best to consult a doctor at the earliest.