Leukaemia Leukaemia (also spelt Leukemia) is a blood cancer which commonly involves the white blood cells (WBCs), bone marrow and the lymphatic system. The body’s WBCs are extremely important as they fight infection and normally grow and divide in a logical and organised fashion when needed. This process is hindered in people with leukaemia as the bone marrow produces excessive levels of abnormal WBCs which do not conduct their usual function appropriately. Overall, leukaemia is considered to happen when certain blood cells acquire mutations or changes in their genetic material (DNA). DNA possesses the commands to tell a cell what to do – when to grow at a specific rate and when to die at an established time. With leukaemia, the mutations communicate to the blood cells to continue growing and dividing – leading to the uncontrollable production of blood cells. Over a period of time, the abnormal cells can push out healthy blood cells in bone marrow, reducing healthy WBCs, red blood cells and platelets. Classifications Acute – The abnormal blood cells are immature and called ‘blasts’. They do not carry out their normal functions. They multiply rapidly. The disease worsens rapidly. Requires aggressive, timely treatment. Acute leukaemia’s are amongst the most common forms of cancer which can affect all age groups. The cause is still unknown however genetics do appear to have a major role with environmental factors also being proposed. Unfortunately, there is little evidence supporting these theories. Chronic – Involves more-mature blood cells. Different types – some produce too many cells; some cause too few cells to be produced. Blood cells replicate and accumulate more slowly. Some forms primarily show no early symptoms. Can go unnoticed or undiagnosed for many years. Types Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) – The most common in young children, however, can also occur in adults. Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) – The most common form of acute leukaemia; occurs in both adults and children. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) – The most common in adults. To read more about CLL visit our webpage (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) – Mainly affects adults. Few or no symptoms in the early stages (months or years) of the disease before entering a stage where cells grow more quickly. Rare types – Hairy cell leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders. Signs and symptoms Here we include a few common signs and symptoms, as they vary depending on the type of leukaemia: Fever or chills. Ongoing fatigue and weakness. Recurrent or severe infections. Unexplained weight loss. Swollen lymph nodes. Enlarged liver or spleen. Frequent nose bleeds. Easy bleeding Bruises easily. Petechiae - small red spots in your skin. Excessive sweating. Bone pain or tenderness. Risk factors There are a few causes or reasons which may increase your risk of some types of leukaemia. Family history Genetic disorders – Some genetic abnormalities appear to have a part in the development of leukaemia (for example Down syndrome). Exposure to some chemicals – Benzene. Smoking – May increase the risk of acute myelogenous leukaemia. However, the majority of people with known risk factors do not develop leukaemia and also you can develop leukaemia without any of these risk factors. Leukaemia is the most common type of cancer in young children (<5 years old). Global Burden of Disease 2019 study 15th most frequent cause of cancer incidence. 11th most cancer-related mortality globally. Leukaemia incidence – 474,519 cases. Leukaemia associated global deaths – 311,594. References Leukemia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic The Global Burden of Leukemia and Its Attributable Factors in 204 Countries and Territories: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study and Projections to 2030 - PMC (nih.gov) Leukemia incidence trends at the global, regional, and national level between 1990 and 2017 | Experimental Hematology & Oncology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com) Etiology of Acute Leukemia: A Review (nih.gov)