By Alana Padula

 Leukaemia is cancer of the blood cells. It begins in the bone marrow when abnormal cells multiply out of control to such an extent that normal blood cells are unable to develop. Leukaemia starts in the bone marrow—the soft, spongy material inside bones where blood cells develop from stem cells. Leukaemia most often affects the white blood cells, which protect the body against infection. The disease begins when normal development of stem cells into white blood cells goes wrong, creating abnormal white blood cells. Eventually the abnormal white cells overtake other types of blood cells, including red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body tissues; and platelets, which enable the blood to clot. Leukaemia therefore interferes with the blood’s ability to clot and carry oxygen.

Bleeding gum Bone pain or tenderness Easy bruising Excessive or prolonged bleeding Fatigue Fever Joint pain Infection Menstrual irregularities Nosebleeds Paleness Palpitations Pinpoint red spots on the skin Shortness of breath (made worse by exercise) Swollen glands ( Swollen gums Unintentional weight loss Exams and Tests:- A physical exam may reveal the following: Bruising Enlarged liver and spleen Signs of bleeding (petechiae, purpura)

Exercise regularly, as studies show that active people are far less likely to develop cancer. Avoid regular exposure to herbicides and insecticides.

 In rare cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the spleen needs to be removed. This happens when the spleen is destroying red blood cells and platelets. The operation is called a splenectomy.  Often a swollen lymph node will be removed to confirm the diagnosis of leukaemia. This operation is called a lymphadenectomy.  Surgery is sometimes needed to place a central venous catheter into a large vein in the chest. The catheter is a small tube that is used to give you chemotherapy and other drugs. The tube can also be used to take samples of blood or for giving blood transfusions when needed. It prevents the need for many needle sticks during treatment.