Leukemia death rates have been falling steadily by around 1.8% annually.
01 | Introduction
Leukemia, a common type of blood cancer, occurs when DNA damage in white blood cells creates new cancerous leukemia cells, which begin to grow uncontrollably. This negatively impacts the body’s ability to produce red blood cells and platelets while weakening its ability to combat infections.
Patients with this cancer may be prone to bruising or bleeding easily, frequent infections, and anemia. These symptoms can occur alongside others, such as bone pain or weight loss.
02 | Types & Subtypes
Leukemia is classified into two main types based on whether the cancer grows quickly (acute) or slowly (chronic). These are further categorized into separate subtypes:
03 | Risk Factors
Though it’s still unknown what exactly causes leukemia, several factors may increase the risk of developing it:
Since the causes are yet unknown, prevention focuses on limiting exposure to these known risk factors as well as understanding the patient’s genetics and family history to catch leukemia early if it develops.
04 | Treatment
After being diagnosed with leukemia, treatments available to patients are based on the type of cancer and their age. Many treatments include chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants. Acute leukemias are typically treated with chemotherapy or more aggressive methods to target the fast-dividing cells. Slower chronic leukemias can be treated with other, more targeted therapies.
Learn More
For more information on leukemia, please visit the National Cancer Institute.
References
Overview of leukemia: Medical News Today
Leukemia types & subtypes: Cleveland Clinic
Risk factors for developing leukemia: Blood Cancer United
Leukemia treatments & patient resources: American Society of Hematology
Leukemia statistics and resources for medical professionals: National Cancer Institute
