Louis said during a podcast in 2024 that he’s “in remission, and I’m feeling good” and “loving life”
The former X Factor judge once had a rare blood cancer Waldenström macroglobulinaemia and is now in remission(Image: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
When former X Factor judge Louis Walsh revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer, he said he initially dismissed one of the symptoms and warning signs as being tired from a hectic work schedule.
Walsh revealed back in 2024 that he had had a rare type of blood cancer called Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM). This is a slow-growing and rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) which affects blood cells called plasma cells – and which he is thankfully now in remission from.
Louis, who managed a successful boy band, Boyzone, shared his diagnosis with his Celebrity Big Brother housemates back in 2024, where he finished fourth. He then appeared on Nicky Byrne’s podcast, Nicky Byrne HQ, to talk about his life and health.
Back in November 2024, the former X Factor legend told the podcast: “I did have a thing called Waldenström cancer.
“It’s a blood cancer and I didn’t realise until I went to the Mater to check me out. I was told it’s fine, it’s manageable. I’m in remission, and I’m feeling good.”
He said during the pod appearance that he’s “loving life”, but admitted at the time of the cancer, he was tired and recalled: “Mentally and physically, I didn’t know what to do.”
He explained he went to get checked because of his energy levels, explaining: “I was tired. It was just after doing X Factor and stuff. When I got checked, they didn’t find it initially. It’s a rare one. But I’m in remission, I’m fine. They can manage it.”
He went on to say: “Please, for anyone reading this, and you don’t feel well, please, please go and get checked. If this interview encourages one person to go to a doctor, then this has all been worth it.”
Macmillan says the most common symptoms of waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia include feeling weak and tired.
What are the signs and symptoms of blood cancer?
Common symptoms
Symptoms can differ depending on the type. Bloodcancer.org.uk lists the most common symptoms of blood cancer. It can include:
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained pain or aching in your bones or joints that interferes with your sleep or daily activities
- Unexplained pain, discomfort or feeling full (bloated) in your stomach area
- Frequent, persistent or severe infections
- Unexplained fever or a high temperature
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep
- Lumps or swelling anywhere on your body
- Drenching night sweats
- Paleness (pallor)
- Shortness of breath
- An unexplained rash or itchy skin anywhere on your body that doesn’t improve with treatment.
The experts add: “It’s important to know that not everyone will have the same symptoms. Some people may have symptoms that are not listed on this page.”
Urgent symptoms
Some types of blood cancer, for example, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), develop very quickly and can suddenly make you very unwell. This is known as leukostasis or blast crisis.
Symptoms of leukostasis or blast crisis are caused by a very high level of white blood cells, and may include:
- breathing problems
- neurological symptoms like visual changes or confusion
- vomiting
- loss of muscle control
- seizures
These symptoms are serious and need urgent medical help. Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has any of them.
How can symptoms look different on different skin tones?
While blood cancer symptoms are generally similar across all ethnicities, some signs can appear differently on darker skin tones. For example:
- Bruises usually start as red, purple or brown marks that can darken and change colour over time and they often feel tender. On Black and brown skin, bruises can be harder to spot at first, but as they develop, they often look darker than the surrounding skin.
- Rashes often appear as clusters of tiny spots (petechiae) or larger blotches (purpura). On Black and brown skin, they can appear purple or darker than the surrounding area. Unlike some other marks, petechiae and purpura don’t blanch (fade) when you press on them.
- Paleness (pallor) may be more noticeable in your lips, gums, palms of your hands or nail beds if you have Black or brown skin. In all skin tones, pallor can be checked by pulling down the lower eyelid. The inside is normally dark pink or red, however, it could be a sign of pallor if it’s pale pink or white.
You can read more about the experiences of blood cancer for people of Black, African Caribbean or mixed heritage on here.
I have signs and symptoms of blood cancer. What should I do?
The blood cancer experts suggest that if you’re experiencing symptoms – or any unexplained symptoms that are worrying you – arrange a GP appointment or call NHS 111. Before you seek help, jot down what the symptoms are, when they started, and whether they’ve changed or become worse recently.
You’ll usually be offered a blood test. This may be done at your GP practice, but if they can’t carry it out there, you may be asked to visit a local hospital or clinic instead. When your results are ready, your GP will contact you and explain the next steps.
Bloodcancer.org.uk stresses: “Having any of the symptoms mentioned doesn’t necessarily mean that you have blood cancer – many people won’t. But it’s still important to find out what’s causing the symptoms. You may need to have more tests if your results are unclear.
“Even if you have just one symptom that you can’t explain, book the appointment with your GP. And, if you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, get medical help straight away by calling 999 or going to A&E.”
This article is shared to highlight the importance of getting any persistent or worrying symptoms checked by a GP – and seeking urgent medical help if you suddenly feel very unwell. You can listen to Louis speak on the Nicky Byrne’s podcast via Spotify here.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
