Leukemia is a cancer that affects blood cells, starting in the bone marrow or other tissues that create blood. Your bone marrow is responsible for making white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Currently, researchers don’t fully understand why the bone marrow produces harmful cells instead of healthy ones. However, they know that certain factors, like being older, can increase the risk of developing leukemia.
Most leukemia symptoms arise due to a shortage of normal blood cells. This happens when the bone marrow produces a large number of cancer cells, leading to signs such as feeling tired, having a fever, sweating at night, losing weight, and bruising or bleeding easily.
If you suspect leukemia, a healthcare provider can diagnose you with blood tests and physical exams, and help determine suitable treatment options. There are different types of leukemia, categorized by which blood cell is affected and the speed at which cancer spreads. Leukemia can involve lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, or myeloid cells, which develop into various blood cells. It can also be acute, meaning it grows quickly, or chronic, which means it’s slower to develop.
The specific type of leukemia you have dictates which blood cells are being targeted and how fast the disease progresses. While symptoms can vary based on the type, common signs shared by many include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and more. If leukemia affects red blood cell production, it may result in anemia, which impairs your body’s oxygen transport. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue and shortness of breath. If it lowers your white blood cell count, causing leukopenia, you might experience more frequent infections. A low platelet count raises bleeding risks, as platelets are crucial for blood clotting.
Leukemia occurs when bone marrow and blood-forming tissues produce cancerous cells, which are then released into the bloodstream, affecting various blood cells. While the exact cause of leukemia is unknown, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it.
There are various tests that healthcare providers use to diagnose leukemia. Thankfully, it is treatable, and remission—where symptoms disappear—is possible. The outlook for leukemia depends on the type and stage, and overall health also influences treatment decisions. Chemotherapy is often the initial treatment, typically carried out in three stages.
A stem cell transplant involves high-dose chemotherapy, sometimes with radiation, to eliminate leukemia cells. Afterward, stem cells are infused to help regenerate healthy bone marrow cells. A stem cell transplant may be considered if chemotherapy alone is not effective.
Targeted therapy uses drugs to attack cancer cells specifically, aiming to harm less to normal cells. Radiation therapy isn’t usually the primary treatment for leukemia. However, it may be used alongside chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant.
Unfortunately, there’s no known way to prevent leukemia, as some risk factors can’t be controlled, such as ethnicity, genetics, and age. Moreover, many people with leukemia have no known risk factors, making prevention difficult.
Receiving treatment, like chemotherapy and radiation for other cancers, can increase the risk of leukemia. Nonetheless, healthcare providers do not advise skipping vital cancer treatments to avoid this risk.
Radiation exposure from frequent imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can also contribute to leukemia risk. Discuss minimizing such tests with your healthcare provider if you’re at risk for certain cancers.
Leukemia is a life-altering diagnosis and treatment can extend over months or years. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, angry, fearful, or lonely—and it’s okay to experience these emotions.
Support is crucial during this journey. Work with your healthcare team for assistance with planning appointments and finding financial help. Consider a referral to a mental health specialist. Reach out to friends and family for support with everyday tasks like childcare, preparing meals, and more.
Remember, even though you might feel like you’re going through this alone, you don’t have to face it without support.
