OVERVIEW

Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow in which there is an increase in the number of immature white blood cells in the body. The immature white blood cells alter and disrupt the number of other cells and platelets in the blood, leaving your blood supply unable to function.

Causes

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors
• Triggers (e.g. exposure to radiation, chemicals)

Symptoms

• Anaemia
• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Continuous infections during a short space of time

Treatment

• Chemotherapy
• Medication
• Radiotherapy
• Bone marrow transplant

If you have any of the above symptoms, consult your general practitioner.

VIDEOS

Video: What is Leukaemia?

Video: The Symptoms of Leukaemia in Children

RESOURCES & SUPPORT

Local

Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand

International

NHS – Leukaemia
Leukaemiacare.org.uk – Resources
Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Group
Macmillan Cancer Support UK – Leukaemia
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research UK
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society US
National Cancer Institute US – Leukaemia

RESEARCH

British Medical Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association
The Lancet

FORUMS

Leukaemiacare.org – Forum
Talkbloodcancer.com

DISCLAIMER
The information above is of a general nature and is designed to provide you with an overview of the topic, with links to local and international resources that may be of interest. We do our best to ensure that this information is accurate and up to date.

You should always, however, seek specific professional medical advice, treatment and care appropriate to you, and as such we strongly recommend you consult with your general practitioner first.

Updated April 2012
Image source: Wikimedia Commons – Leukaemia