Certain people are more at risk of getting this type of cancer. Older adults have a higher risk, especially for chronic types like CLL and CML, while children are most commonly affected by Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). A family history of leukemia can increase risk, as can exposure to high levels of radiation from nuclear accidents or radiation therapy. People exposed to chemicals like benzene, found in gasoline and some industries, and smokers are also at higher risk. Additionally, individuals with certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, or those who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers, are more susceptible to developing it.
Symptoms to Recognize
How Is It Diagnosed?
Stages & Survival Rates of Leukemia
If doctors diagnose you with this type of cancer, they will tell you how far your cancer has progressed and, if applicable, what stage it is in. This table shows the different types of leukemia, how they are staged, and their 5-year survival rates in the United States. The stages indicate the progression of the disease, while the survival rate shows the percentage of people who live at least five years after diagnosis.
Type of Leukemia | Stages | 5-Year Survival Rate (%) |
---|---|---|
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) | Not typically staged | About 69% overall (children: 90%) |
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) | Not typically staged | About 29% |
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) | Stages 0 to IV | About 87% |
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) | Chronic, Accelerated, Blast Phase | About 70% |
CCL: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Stages: CLL is staged using the Rai or Binet system, ranging from stages 0 to IV.
- Stage 0: High white blood cell count
- Stages I-II: Enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or liver
- Stage III-IV: Anemia or low platelet count
CML: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
- Stages: CML is staged based on the phase of the disease:
- Chronic Phase: Few symptoms, responds well to treatment
- Accelerated Phase: More symptoms, disease progresses faster
- Blast Phase: Severe symptoms, high number of immature white blood cells
Read more about CML here: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Treatment Options for Leukemia
This cancer type is treated in several ways, depending on the type and how advanced it is. The two most common treatment options are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. Other treatment options include:
- Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs to target specific parts of cancer cells.
- Biological Therapy: Helps the immune system fight cancer.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor.
- Surgery: Rarely used but can remove a large mass of affected cells.
In children, the treatment plan is often more intensive, especially for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Children may receive higher doses of chemotherapy and may require longer treatment periods. They also usually need more supportive care to manage side effects and ensure healthy development during treatment. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer and are unsatisfied with the treatment plan, it’s wise to seek a second opinion from another hospital or oncology center. Keep exploring to learn more about cancer, the stages of leukemia, and its treatment options. Continue your search here: