4 Myths and Facts About Blood Cancer Leukemia

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Leukemia is the umbrella term for four types of bone marrow and blood cell cancers. If you suffer from leukemia, the bone marrow starts making many abnormal white blood cells, called leukemia cells.

The cells produced do not work on white blood cells as a norm, but will grow faster than normal cells and will not stop growing. As a result, an increase in the number of white blood cells can actually destroy and replace cells that produce normal blood cells.

This can cause serious problems in the body, such as anemia, bleeding, and infection. In fact, leukemia cells can also spread to lymph nodes or other organs and cause swelling or pain.

Leukemia has no obvious symptoms, however, leukemia has many symptoms that can help detect this disease. Some symptoms of leukemia include wounds that don't heal, often experience nosebleeds or bleeding from the nose, bleeding in the teeth and gums, pain in the joints or parts of the spine, and are susceptible to disease because blood cells in the body do not function normally because of the amount excessive.

Here are some myths and facts about leukemia that you need to know.

Myth: Leukemia is the only blood cancer in humans

Leukemia is only one of three types of blood cancer, namely lymphoma which attacks the lymph system and myelomawhich attacks plasma cells and the body. While leukemia is more specific to cancers that occur in the blood and spinal cord.

Myth: Dollar crops can be a cause of leukemia

Some time ago there was news that said that dollar crops often planted at home could cause cancer of leukemia. Although this plant is toxic and can cause itching or irritation if ingested, a study has found that this plant does not cause leukemia.

Studies conducted by the Indonesian Knowledge Institute have found that dollar plants contain oxalate, a compound that can cause itching. However, the oxalate substance is not a carcinogen that can trigger leukemia cancer.

Fact: Leukemia starts in the bone marrow

In fact, your body makes some of the blood cells in the bone marrow. All of these blood cells begin to emerge as "immature" cells and then develop into "mature" cells to help you stay healthy.

Every blood cell produced has a different role. White blood cells to fight infection, red blood cells to drain oxygen, and platelet cells to help blood clots. However, in people with acute leukemia, blood cells do not go through the "immature" phase and usually develop abnormally.

As a result, these abnormal cells will suck out healthy cell types. Not only in the bone marrow, but also in the bloodstream and other parts of your immune system.

Fact: The cause of leukemia is not certain

Mhowever, studies have found several factors that can increase a person's risk of leukemia, including:

Radiation. A study has found that people who are often exposed to high levels of radiation will be more at risk of leukemia. Radiation sources can be caused by atomic bomb explosions, nuclear power accidents, and medical treatment using radiation.
Exposure to chemicals. Sources of exposure to chemicals can occur in the workplace.
Smoke. Smoking has been proven as a risk factor for the cause of acute myeloid leukemia. Even a study has found that smoking has an adverse effect on the survival of leukemia patients.
Drugs. Drugs with alkylating agents commonly used in chemotherapy have been associated with the emergence of leukemia after long-term therapy. In fact, according to the information quoted through Ils.org It was mentioned that although chemotherapy drugs can kill cancer cells, they can also damage normal cells, especially in the lining of the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines which are very susceptible to damage.
Genetic disorders. Certain genetic disorders such as Down syndrome can increase the risk of leukemia.

4 Myths and Facts About Blood Cancer Leukemia

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