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Leukemia is a cancer where the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells making it difficult for blood to do its work.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in blood cells. The bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells called leukemia cells. At first, leukemia cells function almost normally. In time, they may crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, making it hard for blood to do its job.
Types of Leukemia
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: accounts for about 7,000 new cases each year. Most often, people diagnosed with the disease are over age 55. It almost never affects children.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia: accounts for about 4,400 new cases each year–mainly adults.
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia: accounts for about 3,800 new cases each year. It is the most common type of leukemia in young children and also affects adults.
- Acute myeloid leukemia: accounts for about 10,600 new cases each year. It occurs in both adults and children.