Introduction
Welcome to Leukemia: A Guide for Teens. Welcome to Leukemia: A Guide for Teens. On this website, one can learn about the various types of Leukemia, its causes and symptoms. One can test his or her knowledge with our mini quiz or just watch our slide show. We encourage you to check out the “Get Involved" section which provides numerous resources to volunteer or even donate your hair.
But what is it?
Leukemia is a variety of acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which uncontrolled explosion of white blood cells occurs, usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. There are about four different types of leukemia. Leukemia is the fourth leading cause of death among adolescents following unintentional injuries, homicides and suicides.
Fast Facts--Why you should care?
- Approximately 600 teens in the United States, between the ages of 15-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
- The most common cancer found among the ages of 15-19 is Hodgkin’s disease and germ cell tumor and so on.
- The most common form of leukemia among children under 19years of age is Acute Lymphocytic leukemia.
- About 32% of cancers in children ages 0-14 years are leukemia.
- Leukemia is one of the top 15 most frequently occurring cancers in whites and lowest among American Indians/Alaskan native.
- Leukemia rates are substantially higher for white and Hispanic children then for black children.
