LEUKEMIA (BLOOD CANCER) IN CHILDREN

LEUKEMIA IN CHILDREN (BLOOD CANCER)Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues mainly the bone marrow. It causes the body to grow abnormal blood cell (usually abnormal white blood cells also known as leukocyte) Leukocytes are cells in your blood and immune system that help protect the body from infections, bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells.Now leukemia affects leukocytes by causing abnormal blood forming cells in the bone marrow to grow and multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells may not work normally and can outnumber healthy blood cells.So in summary about leukemia, it affects the white blood cells in the body which fight against infection in the body. CAUSES OF LEUKEMIA The exact cause of leukemia cases is still unknown. But there are some factors known to increase the risk of having leukemia and they are:Certain genetic conditions such as down syndromeSmoking High levels of ionizing radiationLong term exposure to benzene and some other chemicalsCertain blood or bone marrow disorderPrevious chemotherapy or radiation in therapy CAUSES OF LEUKEMIA IN CHILDRENChildren are not affected by leukemia more often overall than adults. However, leukemia is the MOST common cancer in children, especially lymphoblastic leukemia (is a type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces too many abnormal immature cells called LYMPHOBLASTS.Why it happens isn’t completely understood. Some important points are;Rapid development of blood cells: children’s bone marrow is very active as their bodies grow. During rapid cell division, occasional DNA changes can occur. Rarely this changes can contribute to leukemiaCertain genetic factors: some children are born with genetic conditions that increase their risk.Most cases are not caused by a child’s habit or anything their parents did.Some childhood leukemia begins from genetic changes that occur before birthEnvironmental factors such as high dose radiation can increase risk, but they explain only a small proportion of childhood cases. SYMPTOMS OF LEUKEMIA IN CHILDRENPale skin, tiredness or weaknessFever without any serious causeBone or joint pain especially the legsPoor appetite and weight lossSwallow lymph nodes-commonly in the neck, armpit or groinAbnormal swelling or fullness- from enlarged liver or spleenShortness of breath Sometimes headaches, vomiting, or vision problem if leukemia affects the central nervous system. HOW LEUKEMIA IN CHILDREN CAN BE PREVENTEDMost childhood leukemia cannot currently be prevented because the exact causes is unknown and most children who develop it has no risk factors. However, some steps can reduce avoidable risks:Avoid unnecessary x-rays and CT scansAvoid tobacco smoke around childrenReduce exposure to hazardous chemicals such as benzene, solvents, and pesticides and use appropriate protective measures when this substance are presentAttend regular medical checkups, particularly if the child has a known genetic condition that increases leukemia risk. TREATMENT OPTION FOR LEUKEMIA IN CHILDRENBone marrow transplantTargeted therapy; medicine designed to attack specific abnormalities in leukemia cells.Immunotherapy: helps immune system recognize and attack leukemia cells Radiation therapy: used in selected situations, such as when leukemia affect certain areas of the body or the central nervous system Thank you for reading 😊

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