Leukemia is a malignancy, which arises in the bloof-forming tissues, bone marrow, lymph nodes and speen.  When leukemia strikes, millions of abnormal and useless white blood cells accumulate in the tissues, preventing the production of normal red and white blood cells and the production of platelets.  These abnormal cells are carried throughout the boyd, the bloodstream and lymph systems.

 

Leukemia manifests in acute (rapidly-growing) or chronic (slowly progressing) forms.  Acute leukemia symptoms tend to appear suddenly.  Chronic leukemia symptoms may be present without any symptoms for some time.

 

Leukemia is the number one disease killer of children between the ages of 1 and 14.

 

Ten times as many adults as children are stricken with leukemia.

 

Due to extensive investment and research, the overall survival rate from leukemia has more than tripled in the last 40 years, from 15% in 1965 to 46% today.

 

In children, the most common form of leukemia is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).  The overall cure rate for children with this type is now around 80% vs 4% in 1960.