Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer that affects the blood and the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. In leukemia, the marrow produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells that do not work properly and crowd out healthy cells. It is classified into four main types: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

Leukemia can affect people of any age. Some types are among the most common cancers in children, while others mainly affect adults and become more likely with age. It occurs in both males and females. Although a diagnosis can be frightening, treatments have improved considerably, and many people respond well, particularly when care begins promptly.

Symptoms can include persistent tiredness, paleness, frequent or lasting infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, and tiny red spots on the skin. Some people notice swollen glands, bone or joint aches, or unexplained weight loss. Chronic leukemia may cause few symptoms at first. As these signs overlap with many common illnesses, lasting or unexplained symptoms should be checked.

The exact cause of leukemia is usually unknown, and most people have no clear reason for developing it. It is not contagious. Factors that may slightly increase risk include certain genetic conditions, previous cancer treatments, high-dose radiation, exposure to some chemicals, and smoking. Having a risk factor does not mean leukemia will develop, and many cases occur without any known cause.

Leukemia is often first suspected from a blood test that shows abnormal numbers or types of blood cells. To confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact type, doctors usually take a bone marrow sample for examination. Further tests, including studies of the cells' genetic features, help guide treatment. Scans may also be used to assess how the disease is affecting the body.

Treatment depends on the type of leukemia, your age, and your overall health. Chemotherapy is a common treatment, and targeted therapies and immunotherapy are increasingly used. Some people may have a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Slow-growing chronic leukemias are sometimes monitored before treatment is needed. A specialist team will design a plan suited to your individual situation.

Because the cause is usually unknown, leukemia generally cannot be prevented, and there is no routine screening test for the general population. Not smoking and avoiding known harmful chemicals may lower risk a little. The most useful step is to seek medical advice about ongoing symptoms such as unusual tiredness, repeated infections, or easy bruising, so any problem can be investigated.