April is Leukemia month

CEBU, Philippines -  As the country observes cancer of the blood, most commonly known as leukemia, in April, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) urged the public to engage in early detection and prevention measures to fight Leukemia.

Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of white blood cells. It is a broad term, covering a spectrum of diseases as well as part of an even broader group of diseases called haematological neoplasm.

The important thing to know about leukemia is subdivided into a variety of large groups. Acute leukemia is characterized by a rapid increase in the numbers of immature blood cells, most commonly found among children, while acute chronic leukemia is characterized by the excessive build up of relatively mature, but still abnormal white blood cells, which takes months or years to progress. Chronic leukemia mostly occurs among older people but can also happen in any age group.

The most common symptom of chronic or acute leukemia is anemia that may cause dyspnea (shortness of breath) and pallor. Some patients may experience other symptoms like feeling sick—fever, chills, night sweats, and other flue-like symptoms. All symptoms associated with leukemia can be attributed to other diseases.

This type of cancer is always diagnosed through medical tests.

According to EJACC’s Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry statistics, incidence rate of leukemia among children male and female aged 17 years old and below are high.

Within 1993 to 2007, about 170 female and around 201 male who are 17 below years old and below were recorded to have the disease.

The common causes of leukemia are not yet known. Leukemia, like other cancers, results from somatic mutation in the DNA. These mutations may occur spontaneously or as a result of radiation or carcinogenic substances.

 “Many people are aware of leukemia but we are not sure of the extent of their knowledge. That is why we at EJACC will continue our educational campaign in the fight against cancer and, in the process, nurture the culture of learning,” Ronald delos Reyes, EJACC program coordinator, said.

Delos Reyes emphasized that leukemia is preventable through screening methods, such as physical exam and complete blood count, as well as second prevention measures, such as regular exercise and maintenance of a well-balanced diet.

“We must take a proactive approach in the fight against cancer. When we know about a certain cancer and engage in early detection measures then the possibility of preventing it is very high,” he said.

For more information about leukemia, please contact EJACC at 254-6351 and look for Gina Mariquit.