Leukemia is a broad category of
cancers that affect white blood cells. The chances of survival depend on a
variety of factors, including a person's age and response to treatment.
The American Cancer Society estimate that there will be around
60,300 new cases of leukemia in the
United States in 2018, resulting in 24,370 deaths.
There are many different types of
leukemia. Which type a person develops depends on which white blood cells are
affected, as well as some other factors.
Leukemia can prevent white blood
cells from fighting infections and cause them to multiply uncontrollably. This
overgrowth can cause overcrowding of the healthy blood cells, leading to severe
problems throughout the body.
Leukemia can either be:
·
Acute, which is when the majority of affected white blood cells
cannot function normally, causing rapid degeneration.
·
Chronic, which occurs when only some of the affected blood cells
cannot function normally, causing a slower degeneration.
Survival
rate by age
Leukemia survival rates are higher for people
under the age of 55.
Latest figures show that the 5-year
survival rate for all subtypes of leukemia is 61.4 percent.
A 5-year survival rate looks at how
many people are still alive 5 years after their diagnosis.
Leukemia is most common in people
aged over 55, with the median age of diagnosis being 66.
It is also one of the most
common cancers for people under age 20. The survival
rate is higher for younger people.
According to the National
Cancer Institute, the percentage of deaths by age group are as
follows:
Age group
|
% of deaths
|
Under 20
|
2.2
|
20–34
|
2.6
|
35–44
|
2.4
|
45–54
|
5.5
|
55–64
|
12.6
|
65–74
|
23.1
|
75–84
|
30.0
|
>84
|
21.6
|
Factors
that affect survival rate
A range of factors can affect a
person's chance of surviving leukemia.
Factors include:
·
age
·
time of diagnosis
·
progression and spread of the cancer
·
type of leukemia
·
a family history of blood conditions
and leukemia
·
the extent of bone damage
·
exposure to certain chemicals, such
as benzene and some petrochemicals
·
exposure to certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
·
chromosome mutations
·
the body's response to treatment
·
blood cell count
·
tobacco use
Can
leukemia be cured?
While there is currently no cure for
leukemia, it is possible to treat the cancer to prevent it coming back.
Treatment success depends on a range
of factors. Treatment can include:
·
chemotherapy
·
radiation therapy
·
stem cell transplant
Treatment can last several months or
even years depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Seeking
support for leukemia
A person with leukemia should seek emotional
support from friends and family.
Receiving a leukemia diagnosis is
life-changing and challenging for both an individual and their loved ones.
It is common to feel a mixture of
emotions after a cancer diagnosis, but everybody reacts differently in these
situations. Some may try to put on a brave face to protect their loved ones,
while others will openly seek support.
It is essential to remember that
support is available for everyone from a wide range of sources, including:
A doctor: Asking questions about leukemia, its symptoms, treatment
options, stages, and survival rates can help a person understand their
condition.
Friends
and family: Friends and family can provide
intimate and emotional support. They can also help a person with everyday tasks
that may become too difficult due to leukemia symptoms or treatment.
Support
groups: These groups are helpful for
meeting other people who can offer advice and support from their own lived
experience or expertise. Support groups exist for both people with leukemia and
their loved ones.
Charities: Organizations, such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,
are dedicated to providing support to people with a cancer diagnosis.
There may also be local charities
and online resources that can help a person understand and manage their
condition.
No comments:
Post a Comment