Leukemia is cancer of the blood; the white blood cells that normally protect the body against disease become defective, leaving the body unprotected and open for disease.
Each year, about 2,700 children are affected by leukemia. Leukemia accounts for 25 percent of all childhood cancers. Some of the symptoms include increased fevers, infections, anemia, bruising, pain in bones or joints, swollen lymph nodes, abnormal fatigue and poor appetite.
The good news is that because of treatments and technology, most children diagnosed with leukemia today have a favorable prognosis.
In most cases of leukemia, there is no control over factors that trigger the disease. In other cases, you have a 20 to 25 percent chance of developing ALL (acute lymphocytic leukemia) or AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) if your identical twin was diagnosed before the age of 6.
Non-identical twins and other siblings have two to four times the average risk of developing leukemia. Children who are receiving medications to suppress their immune systems after an organ transplant are also at great risk.
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Childhood Leukemia
News 8's Todd Boatwright explains what a childhood cancer diagnosis means today.
 
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Some other genetic problems that may lead to leukemia are: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Klinefelter syndrome, Ataxia Telangiectasia and Fanconi's anemia.
Age and initial white blood cell count are needed to first determine intensity and dosage of treatment available.
Some patients are treated with intrathecal chemotherapy (administered into the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord). Radiation may also be used to shrink tumors and keep the cancer cells from growing. Radiation involves the close monitoring of the patient by a pediatric oncologist.
In some cases, bone marrow transplants may be necessary or used in the place of chemotherapy.
Northwestern University offers a new program, Survivors Taking Action and Responsibility (STAR), for childhood cancer survivors that focuses on the comprehensive health care of surviving adults.
