Leukemia

Name: Leukemia
Creator: Tutti Cancer Warriors

Cancer of blood-forming tissues in body, including bone marrow and lymphatic system.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia causes production of large amounts of abnormal white blood cells that don't function properly, crowding out healthy blood cells (red cells, platelets). There are acute (fast-growing) and chronic (slow-growing) types.

Systemic Symptoms

Persistent fatigue, weakness, and pale skin (due to anemia).
Fever, chills, or frequent and severe infections.
Easy bruising or bleeding (gums, nose).
Swollen lymph nodes (painless), enlarged liver or spleen.
Bone pain or tenderness.
Excessive night sweats.

Blood Treatments

Treatment depends on leukemia type (myeloid vs lymphoid, acute vs chronic) and age.

Chemotherapy (Induction/Consolidation)

Main treatment, using potent drugs to kill leukemia cells.

Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant

Replacing diseased marrow with healthy cells from a donor.

Sources and medical information

Prepared by Tutti Cancer Warriors

Sources checked: 28 July 2026

This page provides general educational information. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells; symptoms, treatment and outlook differ substantially by type and age. Contact a healthcare professional about persistent or concerning symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain or night sweats. NCI SEER reports 68.6% five-year relative survival for leukemia in the United States for 2016–2022. This population average combines different leukemia types and cannot predict an individual outcome.

Official sources

Fact

495KNew leukemia cases globally in 2024 (IARC estimate)

68.6%Five-year relative survival in the US, all leukemia types combined, 2016–2022 (NCI SEER)

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