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Singer Halsey reveals she’s “lucky to be alive” and hints she’s been battling lupus and leukemia.
The 29-year-old American pop star, real name Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, revealed her health battle on Instagram, showing the singer receiving infusions while breaking down in tears.
While her exact diagnosis was not immediately clear, the ‘Castle’ and ‘Closer’ singer tagged both The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Lupus Research Alliance in her post.
There are more than 9,900 new cases of leukemia each year in the United Kingdom and more than 62,700 in the United States.
Leukemia can be difficult to diagnose because the telltale symptoms can often indicate other unrelated diseases, experts say. Here, MailOnline reveals some of the most common signs.
Singer Halsey appears to share her health journey with her fans. While her exact diagnosis was not immediately clear, she tagged both the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Lupus Research Alliance in her post.
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Constantly feeling tired and dizzy is a telltale sign of leukemia, according to Blood Cancer UK.
Leukemia, which affects blood cells, can cause anemia by preventing the body from producing healthy red blood cells.
This can make you feel tired and unwell, which can be easily confused with the flu, according to cancer charity Macmillan.
At the same time, it can make you look pale or discolored and even feel dizzy or lightheaded, experts say.
However, as with most cancer symptoms, many other conditions could be to blame for the same warning signs.
Halsey says she’s “lucky to be alive” as she breaks down in tears as she reveals her secret health battle with lupus and leukemia.
“Simply put, I’m lucky to be alive,” the 29-year-old wrote in the caption. “Simply put, I wrote an album.”
Still having infections
Having frequent coughs and colds that last a long time or are difficult to overcome may be another sign to visit your GP.
Although it could be harmless, it could also be a sign of leukemia.
This is because, just as it can affect the way red blood cells are produced, it can prevent the body from producing white blood cells normally.
White blood cells often fight infections and diseases.
Therefore, having less of them can make you feel exhausted.
Low levels of white blood cells can also lead to mouth sores and a sore throat, according to the NHS.
Other moments included the singer listening to music, her arm hooked up to an IV, and the mother-of-one positively giving a thumbs up to the camera.
Fellow singer Rita Ora wrote: “I hope you’re well, beautiful lady ❤️,” while Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra added a variety of emojis, such as praying hands and a bicep in one arm to embody strength.
Bruises easily
Bruising without any obvious cause is another potential symptom of the disease.
It could also leave people more fragile than normal, bruising from lighter touches than before.
Unusual bleeding, blood spots or skin rashes are the result of a low number of platelets, says Macmillan.
Platelets help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and help wounds heal. As a result, a small number of them can cause unusual bruising.
Platelets are produced in our bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue inside our bones.
At the time, he also clapped back at trolls who had labeled the music artist as “unhealthy” and “too skinny.” In response, the star wrote: “You look sick.” before Christ I AM. LET ME LIVE’
‘I didn’t “just get sick”, I’ve been sick. For a long time. My illnesses now only have names. I went to doctors for 8 years. Trying to figure out what was wrong with me,” he also wrote.
bleeding gums
Like bruising, a low platelet count can also cause unusual bleeding.
Bleeding gums, for example when you brush your teeth, can be a warning sign of the disease, says Cancer Research UK.
Other unusual or frequent bleeding, such as nosebleeds or heavy periods, can also be a warning sign.
Fever
Having a high temperature can be another early warning sign of cancer.
Lack of white blood cells can cause chain infections.
However, Blood Cancer UK says night sweats are another potential symptom.
Macmillan describes it as “enough to soak bedding and bedding.”
It occurs as a result of the body’s internal war against cancer.
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin can be a warning sign of many diseases.
This may include leukemia.
These glands, known as lymph nodes or lymph nodes, can be painful to touch, says the NHS.
Lymph nodes play a vital role in the body’s ability to fight infections.
They usually swell as a result of a viral or bacterial infection.
Although swollen lymph nodes are rarely caused by cancer, if you notice that they are swollen and you do not have an infection, you should visit your GP.
Halsey is also mother to her son Ender, who will turn three next July. She shares the little one with her ex, Alev Aydin.
The singer and screenwriter, but in April 2023 it was revealed that the couple had separated but would share the amicable upbringing of their son. After the split, Halsey began dating actor Avan Jogia; seen with Jogia in May in Los Angeles
Aching joints
Leukemia can cause dull or stabbing pain in the joints and bones.
This pain can get worse at different times of the day, says Cancer Research UK.
It can be felt in the long bones of the arms and legs and in the ribs.
It is often caused by an excessive buildup of abnormal white blood cells in the bones, joints or lymph nodes, causing pain and swelling, experts say.
Some may also feel pain under the ribs on the left side, which may be caused by inflammation of the liver or spleen.
‘I’ll keep you posted because I know you’re watching the heart monitor and I’m sick all the time and I don’t want anyone to worry. I’m on a treatment plan right now…’ Halsey continued.
Headaches
Frequent headaches and visual disturbances may be associated with brain tumors.
But they are also a symptom of leukemia.
This is because a very high white blood cell count can clog the smallest blood vessels in the brain.
This can cause headaches, says Cancer Research UK.
Too many white blood cells can also cause eye problems, but this symptom is less common, experts say.
