Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects our blood and bone marrow. Our bone marrow is like a factory that produces different types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In leukemia, the bone marrow starts making too many abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells are called cancer cells.

Unlike healthy white blood cells that help our body fight off infections and diseases, cancer cells can’t do their job properly. Instead, they crowd out the healthy cells, making it harder for our immune system to work effectively. This means that people with leukemia are more prone to infections, have a weakened immune system, and may experience symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, bruising and bleeding, and bone pain.

There are different types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Each type has its own characteristics and treatment options.

Doctors use various treatments to help manage leukemia, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of leukemia, as well as the individual patient’s health.