Often times we hear of people having leukemia or we may watch a movie based around such a case.  However, not all of us may stop to wonder what it really is or even try to find out.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the tissue that forms blood.  It occurs when one or more of the white blood cells experience a loss or damage to its Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).  These cells become abnormal and do not die like normal cells.  Instead, they remain in an immature form.

Types of leukemia are based on how rapidly the disease grows and worsens.  It is categorized as chronic or acute.  Chronic leukemia develops slowly while acute leukemia rapidly grows and worsens.  Chronic leukemia sometimes goes undetected for years, as symptoms are rarely noticeable when the disease is diagnosed.  Acute leukemia is caused by low levels of normal blood cells as the blood which forms bone marrow is overcrowded by leukemia cells.

The first signs of leukemia are unclear as early signs may indicate other types of cancer or other medical condition.  The general signs and symptoms of leukemia to watch out for are:

1. Fatigue
2. Discomfort throughout the body
3. Abnormal bleeding for example, gum bleeding
4. Excessive Bruising including purplish patches or tiny red spots under the skin
5. Weakness
6. Reduce tolerance of exercise
7. Unexplainable weight loss
8. Bone or joint pain
9. Frequent infections
10. Pain, swelling and discomfort in the abdomen
11. Enlarged spleen and liver
12. Swollen lymph nodes that do not hurt
13. Fever which may be accompanied by night sweats
14. Headaches – leukemia can cause frequent headaches as large numbers of white blood cells assemble in the brain and spinal cord.

These symptoms may indicate another medical condition, so once the above symptoms are experienced, it is wise to see a medical doctor so that any problem discovered can be treated earlier.

There are various factors that increase one’s risk of leukemia.  Some of the factors are outlined below:

• Age – approximately 60% of people who are diagnosed with Leukemia are 50 years and older.
• Radiation- people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation are at greater risk.
• Chemicals – people with long-term exposure to benzene are at risk for chronic leukemia.  The same applies to workers who are exposed to herbicides and pesticides.
• Genetic – children with down syndrome are at great risk
• Cigarette smoking – the carcinogens found in cigarettes are absorbed by the lungs and spread through the bloodstream.  Therefore, the risk for smokers is greater than that of non-smokers.
• Cancer therapy – people who have gone through chemotherapy for previous cancer have an increased risk of leukemia.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of leukemia, the doctor will utilize different methods to determine whether it is leukemia or not. The doctor will analyze a pattern of signs, and test results to determine whether the condition is in fact leukemia.