Leukemia is one of seven cancers about which we raise awareness, nationally and locally, during September. Leukemia, a type of blood cancer characterized by the abnormal production of blood cells, involves blood-forming tissues including bone marrow and the lymphatic system.1 In 2020, an estimated 60,530 new cases of leukemia in adults will be diagnosed, with 35,470 males and 25,060 females affected.2 Childhood leukemia, although rare, is the most common cancer among children, accounting for almost 1 in 3 childhood cancers according to the American Cancer Society.

The types of leukemia are based on the cell type where the cancer starts (myeloid or lymphoid cells) and the rate of cell growth, described as chronic (slow growth) or acute (rapid growth). The following table lists four main types of leukemia, new case estimates, and leading risk factors.3

Chronic Lymphocytic Acute Lymphocytic Chronic Myeloid Acute Myeloid Leukemia (CLL) Leukemia (ALL) Leukemia (CML) Leukemia (AML) 2020 New Cases est. 21,040 6,150 8,450 19,940 Risk  Age (>50 yrs.)  Age (>50 yrs.)  Older age  Older age Factors  Male gender  Male gender  Male gender  Male gender  1st degree relative  Ethnicity - Hispanic  Radiation  1st degree relative  Race/ethnicity - North  Certain genetic high dose  Smoking American; European syndromes exposure  Chemical exposures  Certain chemo drugs  Radiation Common Symptoms Being in tune with your body, recognizing changes in your body, and informing your doctor of them are fundamental to catching disease processes early. Common symptoms of leukemia include fatigue, chills or fever, frequent severe infections, bruising, bleeding, bone/joint pain, shortness of breath, sleeping problems, night sweats, unintended weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.1

Treatment Options Standard and novel treatments tailored to the specific type of leukemia are designed to slow the growth and spread of the disease, and ultimately to eliminate it. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplant, targeted molecular therapy, and biological therapy or immunotherapy.1

Hematology Oncology Specialists at the Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) We have a team of physicians, pathologists, nurses, nurse navigators, social workers, and researchers who provide care to patients diagnosed with leukemia and other blood cancers and disorders. Dr. Jorge Cortes, Cancer Center director, is an expert in CML, AML, myelodysplastic syndromes, CLL, ALL, and myeloproliferative disorders and a leading researcher in the development of new therapies that offer patients more treatment options. Dr. Anand Jillella, chief of Hematology/Oncology, is a leader in leukemia, myeloma, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and bone marrow transplant treatment and research. Dr. Locke Bryan, a lymphoma specialist, focuses on CLL, lymphoma, and bone marrow transplant. Dr. Vamsi Kota is director of the Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplant Program and specializes in myeloproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes, AML and CML.

Sources 1. Mayo Clinic mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20374373 2. American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures, 2020 cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics.html 3. American Cancer Society cancer.org/cancer/leukemia.html

“The C Word” is a news brief of the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University. For cancer info visit: augusta.edu/cancer/community.To request exhibits or speaking engagements, contact Christine O’Meara at [email protected] or 706-721-8353. 69 September 2020

Mailing Address: Office Address: T 706-721-8353 Cancer Information and Awareness 1410 Laney Walker Blvd. CN-1179D 1410 Laney Walker Blvd. CN-1179D Augusta, Georgia 30912 Augusta, Georgia 30912 F 706-721-3511 augusta.edu/cancer/community