Leukemia is a type of blood cancer. In the year 2022 alone, more than 45 lakh people were affected by this disease. Whereas 305405 people died due to blood cancer. These figures have been given by WHO's agency International Agency for Research on Cancer. According to the same report, there were 70,000 deaths due to blood cancer in India in the year 2022. More than 1 lakh cases were reported. According to studies, our country ranks third in the world in terms of blood cancer. America is at number one and China is at number two. Imagine how fast this cancer is increasing in our country but why? Today in this health article we will talk about it and know what is leukemia? What is the cause of leukemia? What are its symptoms and how to prevent and treat leukemia?
What is leukemia?
As we said in the beginning, leukemia is a type of blood cancer. In this, the bone marrow (inside the bone where blood is formed) produces abnormal types of white blood cells. Due to which the functions of our normal blood cells are affected. When the function of red blood cells is affected, the ability to carry oxygen reduces. When the functions of white blood cells are affected, the risk of infection increases and when the functions of platelets are affected, the risk of bleeding increases. When leukemia progresses rapidly, it is called acute leukemia. When it grows slowly it is called chronic leukemia.
It is divided into four parts on the basis of cell of origin : -
1. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
2. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
3. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
4. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
How prevalent is leukemia among Indians?
According to Globocan 2022 data, 70 thousand people die every year due to blood cancer in India. At the same time, about 1 lakh 20 thousand new cases are registered. Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer. Its cases are seen more in men. Leukemia is more common in people under 15 years of age and above 55 years of age.
Cause of leukemia
The causes of leukemia can be divided into two parts, non-modifiable and modifiable. Non-modifiable i.e. when someone has a family history. There is any hereditary syndrome i.e. passed from parents like Down syndrome or Li-Fraumeni syndrome or any immune disorder or any viral infection. Exposure to certain types of chemotherapy or pesticides can cause leukemia.
Talking about modifiable risk factors, the most important one is tobacco. Tobacco increases the risk of leukemia. Apart from this, the risk of leukemia also increases due to exposure to gasoline (petrol) or benzene.
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Symptoms of leukemia
Bleeding from the nose or mouth, blood in the urine or stool. Formation of blood clot due to minor injury. Red or purple rashes appear on the body or it is often seen that infections are occurring again and again. Fever is coming without any reason. Losing weight unnecessarily. I am sweating a lot at night. Itching in the body or formation of lumps on the neck, armpits or thighs. Many times it has also been observed that walking makes one feel breathless or tired. Apart from stomach pain, many patients also have pain in bones or joints. These can all be symptoms of leukemia. Therefore do not ignore them. Go to the doctor immediately and get yourself treated.
Leukemia prevention and treatment
Tobacco should not be used at all. Avoid contact with benzene and gasoline. Treatment of leukemia depends on its type. If there is timely treatment, the disease can be cured. Many times chemotherapy is given in its treatment. Sometimes targeted therapy is also required, which is given in the form of tablets or injections. Targeted therapy is sometimes given alone or along with chemotherapy. Sometimes allogeneic transplant is also required for its treatment. In allogeneic stem cell transplant, a donor gives his stem cells to the patient. Overall, the treatment of leukemia depends on its type.
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In cancer like leukemia, it is very important to get treatment at the right time. Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on the symptoms; if symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.
DISCLAIMER : The information, treatment methods and advice given are based on the experience of experts and the public domain. Before implementing any advice, please consult your doctor. This health article does not advise you to take medicines on your own.
Anil Paal
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