Q. When I was a kid, a diagnosis of leukemia was tantamount to a death sentence. It seems that this isn’t the case anymore. Is my perception right?

Your perception is accurate. Advances in research and treatment of leukemia are increasing survival rates and improving the quality of life of people with this disease.

In the early 1960s, a diagnosis of leukemia meant the patient had a 14 percent chance of living five years.

Today, the National Cancer Institute reports that leukemia makes up about 3.2 percent of all cancer types in the United States. Experts expect about 61,000 new cases to be diagnosed in 2021 with almost 24,000 deaths.

Leukemia means “white blood” in Greek. If you get leukemia, your bone marrow (the soft material inside bones) makes abnormal white blood cells that block production of normal white blood cells, which you need to battle infections. Leukemia cells also interfere with the red blood cells that distribute oxygen throughout your body, and platelets, which help your blood to clot.

Leukemia symptoms include: fevers or chills, night sweats, frequent infections, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, bleeding, bruising easily, bone pain, swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from an enlarged spleen), swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit, weight loss, and tiny red marks on the skin.

These symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another problem also could cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Leukemia affects all ages and sexes. The two basic types of leukemia are acute and chronic.

Acute leukemia develops quickly. Chronic leukemia develops slowly and usually occurs during or after middle age.

Leukemia is also categorized by the type of white blood cell that is affected. There are four common types of leukemia:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Most people diagnosed with this form of the disease are over age 55. CLL almost never attacks children.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which primarily affects adults.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common type of leukemia in young children. It can also affects adults.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which occurs in both adults and children.

No one knows the exact causes of leukemia. The following are some known risk factors for the disease: very high levels of radiation, exposure to high levels of benzene or formaldehyde, chemotherapy, Down syndrome, and myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disease.

Most people who have known risk factors do not get leukemia. On the other hand, many who do get the disease have none of these risk factors.

Leukemia is treated with chemotherapy that uses drugs to kill leukemia cells; biological therapy (also known as immunotherapy) that uses substances to build up your immune system; radiation therapy that employs high-energy rays to kill leukemia cells; transplanted stem cells that develop into new blood cells, and bone-marrow transplant to replace diseased bone marrow with leukemia-free marrow.

Many people with acute leukemia can be cured. However, chronic leukemia can seldom be cured. Patients may receive maintenance therapy to help keep the cancer in remission.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2021 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.