|
<< A-Z Index
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a type of cancer that
affects the blood. Like other cancers, something has gone
wrong with the normal growth of cells. With Leukaemia, some
blood cells grow too quickly, while the growth of others is
reduced.
There are different types of Leukaemia. Acute Leukaemia comes
on suddenly and changes quickly, while chronic Leukaemia comes
on slowly and may continue slowly.
Leukaemia can occur in both adults and children. There are
about 650 new cases each year in New South Wales. The chance
that someone will develop Leukaemia at some time in their life
is 1 in 123 for males and 1 in 207 for females.
Leukaemia is the most common form of cancer in childhood;
3 in 10 cancers in children are Leukaemia. There are about
60 children diagnosed with Leukaemia each year in NSW. Across
all ages, there are about 400 deaths from Leukaemia each year
in NSW.
What are the signs or symptoms?
A significant number of people with Leukaemia may have no
obvious signs. However, symptoms can include:
- weakness
- fever
- frequent infections
- anaemia
- easy bruising.
Many people who have these symptoms do not have Leukaemia.
The causes of Leukaemia are still not known. There is usually
no obvious cause and there may be many factors involved.
How can I prevent Leukaemia?
There are no known ways to effectively prevent Leukaemia at
the moment.
How can Leukaemia be treated?
Many forms of Leukaemia can be cured. The type of treatment
offered depends on the form of Leukaemia involved, the cancer's
rate of growth as well as the person's age and general health.
Prior to commencing treatment, the person will usually have:
- blood tests
- bone marrow biopsy, which examines the cells inside the
bone cavity.
In the early stage of chronic Leukaemia, most people do not
require any treatment but have regular check-ups.
Treatments for Leukaemia include:
- Chemotherapy - is the main form of treatment for all types
of Leukaemia. It is a course of strong drugs given to eradicate
or control the cancer cells. In chronic Leukaemia, chemotherapy
can usually be given as tablets at home. In acute Leukaemia,
chemotherapy is provided in hospital because careful supervision
is required. Occasionally people are given radiotherapy
to the head or injections into the fluid around the spine
to reach all Leukaemia cells.
- Bone marrow transplant - this procedure may be possible
in some cases to cure the cancer. Transplants are complicated
procedures. Ideally people should be under the age of 55
to have a transplant from a tissue-compatible donor or under
65 to have a transplant using their own marrow cells.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner or contact:
|
