Leukemia

Leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, is cancer of the blood that develops in the bone marrow. It affects nearly 3,000 children annually in the United States, accounting for about 30 percent of cancer cases among children. Although leukemia can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in children between 2 and 6 years old. The disease occurs more frequently in males than in females, and is more common among Caucasians than those of other races.

The bone marrow is the soft, spongy center of the long bones that produces the three major blood cells: white blood cells to fight infection; red blood cells that carry oxygen; and platelets that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding. When a child has leukemia, the bone marrow, for unknown reasons, begins to make immature white blood cells that don't mature correctly but continue to reproduce themselves.

Normal, healthy cells only reproduce when there is enough space for them to fit. The body can regulate the production of cells by sending signals when to stop. With leukemia, these cells don't respond to signals to stop and reproduce, regardless of space available. These abnormal cells reproduce very quickly and don't function as healthy white blood cells to fight infection. When immature white blood cells, called blasts, begin to crowd out healthy cells in bone marrow, a child experiences symptoms of leukemia, including infections, anemia and bleeding.

Parents, children and doctors share their UCSF experiences.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Children's Cancer and Blood Disease Program (415) 476-3831

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007