Leukemia- The Risk Factors, Treatment, And Prevention

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. There are several broad categories of blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells and platelets. Generally, leukemia refers to cancers of the White Blood Cells.

White Blood Cells are a vital part of your immune system. They protect your body from invasion by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as from abnormal cells and other foreign substances. In leukemia, the White Blood Cells don’t function like normal White Blood Cells. They can also divide too quickly and eventually crowd out normal cells.

White Blood Cells are mostly produced in the bone marrow, but certain types of White Blood Cells are also made in the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland. Once formed, White Blood Cells circulate throughout your body in your blood and lymph (fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system), concentrating in the lymph nodes and spleen.

There are four broad classifications of leukemia:

•        Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

•        Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

•        Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

•        Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Leukemia occurs in both adults and children. ALL is the most common form ofchildhood leukemia, and AML is the second most common. Decades of research have led to vastly improved outcomes for children diagnosed with ALL. The two most common adult leukemias are AML and CLL.

Treatment For Leukemia

Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of White Blood Cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also indicate leukemia. If you test positive for leukemia, your doctor will perform a biopsy of your bone marrow to determine which type you have.

Treatment depends on your age, general health, and type of leukemia. You might receive a combination of treatments that could include chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Patients with acute leukemia often undergo chemotherapy because this type of treatment targets fast-dividing cells. Many acute leukemia patients have responded successfully to treatment. On the other hand, because the cells divide more slowly in chronic leukemia, it is better treated with targeted therapies that attack slowly dividing cells as opposed to traditional chemotherapy that targets rapidly dividing cells.

For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to experimental therapies. If you are diagnosed with leukemia, talk with your doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you.

Preventing Leukemia

Because the cause of leukemia remains unknown, there is no certain way to prevent it. However, avoiding exposure to solvents, such as benzene and toluene, and unnecessary exposure to x-rays is generally good practice. If you think you may be exhibiting signs of leukemia, being aware of the risk factors and symptoms and talking with your doctor are critical to early diagnosis and treatment. It is especially important for people who have a family history of leukemia to be aware of symptoms and share their family medical history with their doctors.

The Symptoms Of Leukemia

The symptoms of leukemia include:

•        excessive sweating, especially at night (called “night sweats”)

•        fatigue and weakness that don’t go away with rest

•        unintentional weight loss

•        bone pain and tenderness

•        painless, swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck and armpits)

•        enlargement of the liver or spleen

•        red spots on the skin, called petechiae

•        bleeding easily and bruising easily

•        fever or chills

•        frequent infections

The Risk Factors Of Leukemia

The causes of leukemia aren’t known. However, several factors have been identified which may increase your risk. These include:

•        a family history of leukemia

•        smoking, which increases your risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia    (AML)

•        genetic disorders such as Down syndrome

•        blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, which is sometimes called “preleukemia”

•        previous treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation

•        exposure to high levels of radiation

•        exposure to chemicals such as benzene