Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens, accounting for almost 1 out of 3 cancers. Overall, however, childhood leukemia is a rare disease. About 3 out of 4 leukemias among children and teens are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Most of the remaining cases are acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The 5-year survival rate for children with AML has also increased over time, and is now in the range of 60% to 70%.
The word leukemia is derived from the Greek leukos which means "white" and aima which means "blood”. Thus leukemia is used to describe the abnormal increase in the WBCs or leukocytes.
Preventing Leukemia
Since the causes of leukemia are not known, it is difficult to define clear preventive measures. The best you can do is reduce impact of risk factors of Leukemia. Some types of leukemias can be prevented by avoiding high doses of radiation, smoking, tobacco use, chemical substances like benzene and certain chemotherapeutic agents used for other cancers.
Changed
18/Aug/2025
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