Leukemia

Cause

• The cause of Leukemia is an abnormal production of blood cells, usually white blood cells.

Symptoms

• Poor Blood Clotting
• Affected immune system - Immune System does not work correctly/attacks itself
• Anemia
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Headache

Risk Factors

• Previous Cancer treatment
• Genetic Disorders
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Smoking
• Family history of Leukemia

Early warning signs

• Purplish or tiny red spots on the skin
• Pain in the bones or joints
• Headaches
• Unusual lumps or swollen lymph nodes
• Feeling weak and tired unusually
• Bleeding and bruising easily
• Frequent fevers and infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual breathing
• Abdominal pain or swelling

Prevention

• there is no known way to prevent most types of leukemia.
• some types of leukemia can be prevented by avoiding:
• high doses of radiation
• exposure to the chemical benzene
• smoking and other tobacco use
• certain types of chemotherapy used to treat other cancers

Treatment/Cure

• Treatment for leukemia varies. For slow progressing Leukemia, treatment involves monitoring. For more aggressive Leukemia, treatment involves chemotherapy often followed by radiation, stem-cell transplants, and blood transfusions.
• Currently, there is no cure for Leukemia. Treatment is the only option.