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Childhood Leukemia A PowerPoint Presentation

by Meenu Johnkutty

+What is Cancer?

n  When we hear the word cancer we often times feel desperate

or overwhelmed. The cure to cancer is yet to be found. But, for now we can educate ourselves as well as others about this disease.

n  Cells are the basic building blocks of the body. Our cells go through mitosis to make new cells. However during the cell division process, cells can sometimes grow and divide on their own. These cells can later attack and destroy the healthy cells. This is called cancer.

n  In this PowerPoint presentation, we will be exploring a blood cancer called Leukemia.

+What is Leukemia?

n  Leukemia is the overcrowding of immature white blood cells in the bone marrow.

n  All blood cells are formed in the bone marrow.

n  White blood cells are specially designed to fight against infections and other substances that may affect our body.

n  According to cancer.org, Leukemia is the most common cancer found in children and teens. It accounts for 1 out 3 cancers found in children.

n  The rate of cure depends on the type of leukemia as well as the age of the patient. Children are more likely to become permanently cured.

+Cause of Leukemia

n The cause of leukemia is yet to be identified. Though we do know that there are different types of leukemia. For example…..

n 1. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia- most common type of leukemia among young children

n 2. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-most common among adults over 55

n 3. Acute Mylegenous Leukemia- more common among adults than children and affects males more than females

n 4. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia-majority of patients are adults.

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Risk Factors

for Leukemia

Genetic Disorders

Inherited Immune System

Problems

Family History

Radiation Exposure

Cancer Treatment

+Symptoms of Leukemia

n  Anemia- because of the abundance of white blood cells, there will be a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This will result in anemia which is basically the absence of the required number of red blood cells. The child may appear pale and tired and have trouble breathing.

n  Recurrent Infections-The white blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow are immature in leukemia patients. This means that they are not able to fight off infections.

n  Other symptoms may include bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal distress.

+Statistics of Leukemia

n According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 48, 610 men and women will die of leukemia in 2013.

n According to cancer.org, leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens.

n About 3 out of 4 leukemias among children and teen are acute lymphocytic.

n It is the 10th most frequently occurring type of cancer in all races and ethnicities.

+Identification of Leukemia

n  It is critical to detect leukemia as early as possible.

n  Doctors often find leukemia after routine blood tests, even before symptoms begin. During physcial exams, they will then focus on any enlarged lymph nodes. The abdomen will also be felt for signs of any swelling or enlargment.

n  During blood tests, doctors will test blood cell count. If they are higher or lower than normal than the child may be referred to a pediatric oncologist. The doctor may then run biopsies, spinal taps, cytogenetic tests, chest x rays, and or CT scans.

+Treatment of Leukemia

Medical staff will describe the treatment in detal, answering any

guestions and informing parents

about federal guidlines

Treatment is usually diviided into 2

chemmotherapy phases.

Remission induction followed by post

remission therapy

+What can YOU do? n  Every dollar that you donate to research will help find the

cure to this deadly cancer. By donating you show that you are there for families who have lost loved ones to leukemia. You can also show your support by becoming a sponsor for a child or volunteering at youth programs. Donate today!

+Works Cited

"Disease Information & Support." Facts and Statistics | The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2013. “Disease Information & Support." Leukemia | The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2013. "How Is Childhood Leukemia Diagnosed?" How Is Childhood Leukemia Diagnosed? N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2013. "Leukemia Research Foundation." Leukemia Research Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2013. "What Is Cancer?" What Is Cancer? N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2013