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Leukemia : Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. Type of cancer that originates in the blood-forming tissues, primarily affecting white blood cells. The abnormal, immature, or malformed white blood cells proliferate uncontrollably, crowding out normal blood cells in the bone marrow and bloodstream. This disruption impairs the immune response, oxygen delivery, and clotting functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue, increased infections, bleeding, and anemia.
Types
Leukemia is classified based on the type of blood cell affected and how quickly it progresses. The main types include:
Acute Leukemia: Rapid progression, requiring immediate treatment.
Chronic Leukemia: Slower development, sometimes monitored over time before treatment.
And the types of leukemia are usually divided into:
Lymphocytic (or lymphoblastic) leukemia: Affects lymphocytes.
Myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia: Affects myeloid cells, which can develop into various blood cells.
- ALL is prevalent in children and affects lymphocyte precursors.
- AML can develop at any age but is more common in older adults.
- CLL is mostly seen in middle-aged and older adults.
- CML typically affects adults, often during or after middle age.
Risk Factors
Often, leukemia results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Factors like smoking, chemical exposures, certain genetic conditions, radiation, race/ethnicity, gender, family history, and age all influence risk levels.
Signs and Symptoms
- Common signs and symptoms of leukemia include:
- Fatigue, tiring easily.
- Fever or night sweats.
- Frequent infections.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pale skin.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Bone or joint pain or tenderness due to marrow expansion.
- Discomfort or fullness under the ribs on the left side, often related to an enlarged spleen.
- Swollen lymph nodes in areas like the neck, underarms, groin, or abdomen.
- Easy bruising and bleeding, including nosebleeds, bleeding gums, petechiae (tiny red spots), or dark patches on the skin, caused by low platelet levels.
Prognosis
5-year survival rates for different leukemia types:
ALL: Over 70% of adults and about 92% of children survive 5 years post-diagnosis.
AML: About 30% of adults and 69% of children survive 5 years.
CLL: Nearly 88% of adults are alive after 5 years.
CML: Over 70% of adults survive 5 years.
Preventions
Currently, there are no proven ways to prevent leukemia because its exact causes are often unknown and involve a mix of genetic and environmental factors. However, you can reduce certain risk factors and adopt healthy habits:
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Limit exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, especially at work.
- Be cautious with radiation exposure—use protective measures when necessary.
- Manage environmental risks by avoiding exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive alcohol.
- Family history: If leukemia runs in your family, discuss screening options with your doctor.
- Cancer treatments: If you’ve had radiation or chemotherapy, talk to your doctor about ongoing health monitoring.
