In Ohio an estimated 1,235 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in 1998. About 925 Ohioans will die from leukemia in 1998. Deaths Nationally, there will be an estimated 21,600 deaths in 1998. Signs and Symptoms Fatigue, paleness, weight loss, repeated infections, bruising easily, and nosebleeds or other hemorrhages are potential symptoms of leukemia. In children, these signs can appear suddenly.
Chronic leukemia can progress slowly and with few symptoms.
Risk Factors Leukemia strikes both sexes and all age groups. Causes of most leukemias are unknown. Persons with Down s Syndrome and certain other genetic abnormalities have higher incidence rates of leukemia. It has also been linked to excessive exposure to ionizing radiation and to certain chemicals such as benzene, a commercially used toxic liquid that is also present in lead-free gasoline. Because symptoms often resemble those of other, less serious conditions, leukemia can be difficult to diagnose early.