The average age of leukemia onset varies significantly by type, but overall, most cases occur in older adults, with the median age for all types combined around 67, while specific types like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) peak in children (median age 17) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) typically affect older adults (median ages 68-70).
Most people with leukemia are over 60. Although you can develop it at any time of life, most types are rarely diagnosed in people under 40.
AML usually affects people age 60 and older, but it can also affect younger adults and children. Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive cancer that can be life-threatening. Newer treatments are helping people to live longer with AML.
In people with AML, symptoms usually develop and progress rapidly over the course of a few weeks. Because it is an aggressive cancer, treatment should start as soon as it is diagnosed.
CLL typically affects people aged 65 and older, but it can affect people starting at age 30. You can have chronic lymphocytic leukemia without having symptoms. Most people learn they have CLL after having blood tests as part of routine physical examinations.
Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:
Adults (20-49 Years)
AML is the most common type of leukemia in this age range, and its risk increases with age − risk is highest at age 40 and older.
Age – Generally speaking, individuals over the age of 65 are more at risk for leukemia. Demographics – While anyone can conceivably develop leukemia, white males are statistically most susceptible. Radiation exposure – Exposure to radiation from an atomic bomb increases the likelihood that leukemia cells will form.
Benign reactive hyperplasia is a condition where cells increase in number, often due to infection or inflammation. It can be mistaken for leukemia because of abnormal cells in the blood or bone marrow.
By looking at a sample of your blood, your doctor can determine if you have abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets — which may suggest leukemia. A blood test may also show the presence of leukemia cells, though not all types of leukemia cause the leukemia cells to circulate in the blood.
Clinical studies suggest that stress-related biobehavioral factors can accelerate progression of hematopoietic cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but it is unclear whether such effects are causal or what biological pathways mediate such effects.
Leukemia is caused by DNA mutations in blood cells, leading to uncontrolled growth, but the exact trigger for these mutations is often unknown, likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors like radiation, benzene exposure, certain viruses, and inherited conditions (e.g., Down Syndrome). These genetic changes tell cells to keep multiplying instead of dying, crowding out healthy cells in the bone marrow.
Most types of leukemia are slightly more common in males than in females.
Leukemia symptoms commonly include:
Previous studies confirmed that CLL patients' most common blood group is the A group, but other studies show that blood group O is predominant. Regarding CML cases, the studies found that the most predominant blood group in CML patients is the O and B blood groups.
The National Toxicology Program's Report on Carcinogens links the the development of blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma to several chemicals, including:
Myelodysplastic syndrome refers to a group of related disorders in which abnormal blood-forming cells develop in the bone marrow. At first, these cells interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Later, these cells may become cancerous, turning into a form of leukemia.
Complete blood count (CBC): This blood test lets your healthcare provider know if you have abnormal levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. If you have leukemia, you'll likely have higher than normal counts of white blood cells.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is often a silent disease during the initial stages, with many patients having no noticeable symptoms. CLL is commonly detected by accident when routine blood testing reveals an elevated lymphocyte count (lymphocytosis).
Long-term exposure to high levels of solvents such as benzene — in the workplace, for example — is a known risk factor. CLL may also be linked to exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical used widely during the Vietnam War. Smoking. Cigarettes contain dozens of cancer-causing chemicals.
Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all deaths.
It is more severe and is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that cannot be overcome with a good night's rest. Some people may also describe it as constantly feeling physically weak, drained or have difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”).
Benzene and smoking
Exposure to the chemical benzene is a known risk factor for AML in adults. Benzene is found in petrol, and it's also used in the rubber industry, although there are strict controls to protect people from prolonged exposure.
Acute leukemias
Though it's most commonly found on the arms and legs, a petechiae leukemia rash may also appear on the buttocks, the inside of the mouth or the eyelids. Though it looks like a rash of pinhead-sized spots, petechiae is actually a cluster of tiny bruises.