Leukaemia

What is Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.

Leukaemia can be classified in two ways:

• By speed of progression: Acute (develops quickly) or Chronic (develops slowly over months or years)
• By type of white blood cell affected: Lymphocytic (affects lymphocytes) or Myelogenous (affects myeloid cells)

The Four Main Types

Combining these classifications gives us four main types of leukaemia:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) - Most common in children, but can affect adults. Develops rapidly and requires immediate treatment.
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) - Can occur in both children and adults. The most common acute leukaemia in adults.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) - Most common in adults over 55. May not require treatment for years in some cases.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) - Mainly affects adults. Often has few or no symptoms in early stages.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of leukaemia is not fully understood, several risk factors have been identified:

• Radiation exposure - People exposed to very high levels of radiation, such as survivors of atomic bomb explosions or nuclear reactor accidents, have an increased risk.
• Chemical exposure - Exposure to certain chemicals, particularly benzene (found in gasoline and used in the chemical industry), increases the risk of some types of leukaemia.
• Chemotherapy - People who have been treated with certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers have an increased risk of developing leukaemia years later.
• Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders - Certain genetic disorders, including Down Syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukaemia.
• Family history - Having a close relative with leukaemia increases your risk, although most people with leukaemia do not have a family history of the disease.
• Smoking - Increases the risk of acute myeloid leukaemia.

Symptoms

Leukaemia symptoms vary depending on the type of leukaemia. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Frequent or severe infections
• Losing weight without trying
• Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
• Excessive sweating, especially at night
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin

Many of these symptoms are common to other, less serious conditions. However, if you have several of these symptoms or they persist, it's important to see your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment for leukaemia depends on the type of leukaemia, your age, overall health, and whether the leukaemia has spread to other parts of your body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A blood test that measures the levels of different types of blood cells
• Bone marrow biopsy - A sample of bone marrow is removed and examined for leukaemia cells
• Additional tests - May include chest X-rays, CT scans, or lumbar puncture to check if leukaemia has spread

Treatment Options

• Chemotherapy - The main form of treatment for most types of leukaemia. Uses drugs to kill leukaemia cells.
• Biological therapy - Also called immunotherapy, helps your immune system recognize and attack leukaemia cells.
• Targeted therapy - Drugs that attack specific vulnerabilities within cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy - Uses high-energy beams to damage leukaemia cells and stop their growth.
• Stem cell transplant - Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow, either from your own body or from a donor.

Prevention

While most cases of leukaemia cannot be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

• Avoiding exposure to high levels of radiation and certain chemicals like benzene
• Not smoking or quitting if you do smoke
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Following safety guidelines if you work with chemicals or radiation

It's important to note that even with these precautions, leukaemia can still develop, as many cases occur without any known risk factors.

More Information

For additional information and support, consider these resources:

• Blood Journal - A peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Society of Hematology, featuring the latest research on blood disorders including leukaemia
• Leukaemia patient support groups - Many organizations offer support groups, both in-person and online, where patients and families can connect with others facing similar challenges
• Your healthcare team - Always consult with your doctor or specialist for personalized advice and treatment options

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukaemia, remember that treatment outcomes have improved significantly in recent years, and many people with leukaemia live long, fulfilling lives.