According to the National Cancer Institute, leukemia is diagnosed in approximately 29,000 adults and 2,000 children each year in the United States alone.

Leukemia is a group of bone marrow diseases involving an uncontrolled increase in white blood cells. Bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells called leukemia cells. In the beginning, leukemia cells have relatively normal function but, eventually, they “crowd out” normal white and red blood cells and platelets, making it difficult for blood to function properly.

Risk factors for developing leukemia include such things as exposure to high levels of radiation, exposure to high levels of particular chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde, chemotherapy treatment, Down syndrome, Human T-cell leukemia virus-I and a blood disease called myelodysplastic syndrome. Not everyone who has these symptoms will develop leukemia and others who have several symptoms may not develop it either.

Symptoms
Leukemia symptoms may take some time before appearing and may only be mild in the beginning. The following are some symptoms that someone with leukemia might have.

• Fevers or night sweats
• Frequent infections
• Feeling weak or tired
• Headache
• Bleeding and bruising easily
• Pain in the bones or joints
• Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit
• Weight loss

It is important to see a physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Treatment
Depending on the type of leukemia, it may be treated in various ways, including chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow transplantation as well as treatment to control pain and symptoms, relieve therapy side effects or ease emotional problems.

Some patients may develop anemia and bleeding that may require red blood cell and platelet transfusions. Patients also may receive antibiotics and other drugs for protection against infections, which people with leukemia can get easily. Also, patients may be advised to avoid crowds and people with colds and contagious diseases. Call your doctor immediately if you are a leukemia patient that develops an infection.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.