Childhood leukemia also affects teens. It is the most common type of cancer in children under the age of 15, according to the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Around 4,000 children in the country are affected by leukemia each year.
Leukemia affects the blood cells. It causes white blood cells to develop in a person’s bone marrow. These then travel through the bloodstream and suppress the production of healthy blood cells.
A diagnosis of leukemia can be frightening, but survival rates continue to improve.
Common symptoms of childhood leukemia
If a child has any of the following symptoms, and a parent or caregiver suspects leukemia, it is essential to contact a doctor.
1. Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body has a shortage of red blood cells.
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, and if someone is not producing enough, they may experience:
2. Frequent infections
Children with leukemia have a high white blood cell counts, but most of these cells are not functioning correctly. This is because abnormal cells are replacing healthy white blood cells.
White blood cells help to protect the body and fight off infections.
Recurrent and persistent infections can indicate that a child does not have enough healthy white blood cells.
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