Leukemia or leukaemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of blood cells. As these leukaemia cells take over, the patient develops symptoms such as excessive bruising and breathlessness. Leukemias are divided into two main groups acute and chronic and then further divided by the type of white blood cell which is affected. Acute leukemias come on suddenly, often within days or weeks, progressing quickly and need to be treated urgently. Chronic leukemias develop more slowly often over many months or years. Chronic leukaemia accounts for about 3,000 of these. Leukaemia mostly occurs in later life. Chronic leukemia mostly occurs in older people, but can theoretically occur in any age group.

The different leukemias likely have different causes, and very little is certain about what causes them. Fanconi anemia is also a risk factor for growth acute myelogenous leukemia. Viruses have also been caused to some forms of leukemia. Leukemia, like other cancers, result from somatic mutations in the DNA which activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes, and disrupt the regulation of cell death, differentiation or division. These mutations may occur spontaneously or as a result of exposure to radiation or carcinogenic substances and are likely to be influenced by genetic factors. Exposure to petrochemicals, such as benzene, and hair dyes to the development of some forms of leukemia. Some industrial chemicals also caused of leukaemia.

Consolidation therapy (1-3 months in adults; 4-8 months in children) to eliminate any leukemia cells that are still "hiding" within the body. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in the form of tablets or injected directly into a vein (intravenous). Bone marrow transplant is also used to treat leukaemia. It can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to greatly improve the patients chances of recovery. In chronic myeloid leukaemia, you may be treated with a drug called interferon alpha. People who have certain types of acute myeloid leukaemia will be treated with a special form of vitamin A called ATRA (all transretinoic acid). Given alongside chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is also helpful against Leukaemia. Steroid therapy is also helpful against Leukaemia.

Leukaemia Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Bone marrow transplant is also used to treat leukaemia.

2. Radiotherapy is also helpful against Leukaemia.

3. Steroid therapy is also helpful against Leukaemia.

4. Acute myeloid leukaemia will be treated with a special form of vitamin A called ATRA.

5. In chronic myeloid leukaemia, you may be treated with a drug called interferon alpha.

6. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in the form of tablets or injected directly into a vein.