What is Leukemia?

What is Leukemia?

Over 65% of Leukemia Cases Found in Seniors

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow (these produce blood cells). Bone marrow is made up of three types of cells, they are:
◾Platelets, which aid in clotting the blood, to control bleeding.
◾Red blood cells, carry oxygen out of the lungs to various parts of the body and bring back carbon dioxide back to the lungs..
◾White blood cells, aka leukocytes, aid the body in fighting diseases and infections.

When an abnormal production of white blood cells (leukocytes) is produced the result is leukemia. How this occurs is that these abnormal blood cells (usually the leukocytes) don't function as they should. They are also able to survive longer and grow to large numbers and enter the bloodstream. The abnormal blood cells push/crowd out the normal blood cells, causing the normal blood cells not to work properly. Also, because the white blood cells are abnormal, they are unable to fight disease.

When most people think of leukemia they think of a disease that occurs in children. I know at one time that I did. The truth is that over 65% of people with leukemia occur in those that are 60 years of age or older.

Risk factors for Leukemia include:
◾Older white male
◾Smoker - benzene from cigarettes
◾Exposure to high levels of radiation
◾Past treatment with radiation or chemotherapy
◾Certain health conditions - ie: Down's Syndrome, Myelodysplastic Syndrome
◾Working with certain chemicals such as benzene (while working in a chemical plant or gas-related industries (ie gas station)

Common Leukemia Symptoms include:
◾Headache
◾Pain in joints or bones
◾Weight loss
◾Swollen lymph nodes (esp. armpit or neck)
◾Discomfort in the abdomen from an enlarged spleen
◾Frequent infections or fevers
◾Lethargy due to reduced amount of red blood cells
◾Easily bruised