Leukemia- What causes it?

I’ve been curious about this disease when the “King of Rap” Francis Magalona died because of it. I’ve researched about what causes it, but unfortunately to my disappointment no one really knows the exact causes of this disease.

However, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop leukemia. Studies have found the following risk factors for leukemia:

* Very high levels of radiation —People exposed to very high levels of radiation are much more likely than others to develop leukemia. Very high levels of radiation have been caused by atomic bomb explosions (such as those in Japan during World War II) and nuclear power plant accidents (such as the Chernobyl [also called Chornobyl] accident in 1986).

Medical treatment that uses radiation can be another source of high-level exposure. Radiation used for diagnosis, however, exposes people to much lower levels of radiation and is not linked to leukemia.

* Working with certain chemicals—Exposure to high levels of benzene in the workplace can cause leukemia. Benzene is used widely in the chemical industry. Formaldehyde is also used by the chemical industry. Workers exposed to formaldehyde also may be at greater risk of leukemia.

* Chemotherapy—Cancer patients treated with certain cancer-fighting drugs sometimes later develop leukemia. For example, drugs known as alkylating agents are associated with the development of leukemia many years later.

* Down syndrome and certain other genetic diseases—Some diseases caused by abnormal chromosomes may increase the risk of leukemia.

* Human T-cell leukemia virus-I (HTLV-I)—This virus causes a rare type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia known as human T-cell leukemia. However, leukemia does not appear to be contagious.

* Myelodysplastic syndrome—People with this blood disease are at increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia.

Common Symptoms of Leukemia were the following:

* Fever or night sweats
* Frequent infections
* Feeling weak or tired
* Headache
* Bleeding and bruising easily (bleeding gum’s, purplish patches in the skin, or
tiny red spots under the skin)
* Pain in the bones or joints
* Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from an enlarged spleen)
* Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit
* Weight loss

Such symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another problem also could cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

As of today, I don’t know yet what type of Leukemia her father has. She’s only asking for a minute of prayer. She knows that only God can totally cure her father if it’s His will.

I will go to the hospital one of this days to visit her father and donate some excess blood (although I’m anemic), I don’t know if the doctor will allow me. I have a universal blood type (Type O+) so I can give blood to anyone. This is the only thing that I think I can give , since I can’t provide financial assistance.

For my readers, followers and friends I am begging you to please pray for my friend’s family that God would help them in this battle, and win over it.

Info via: medicinenet

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!