Most of the adults who develop leukemia are over the age of sixty. The causes of leukemia are not known, although there are some factors that are known to increase the risk for this illness. This disease is fatal without treatment, but great strides have been made in the last 30 years in treatment methods, which have dramatically increased the cure rate for those with leukemia. Long-term survival rates are rising and cures are now possible. Leukemia can be an illness that is either acute, starting with a sudden onset of symptoms, or chronic, developing gradually over a period of time.
Acute leukemia affects immature white blood cells and is most often seen in children.
The chronic form of illness affects more mature white blood cells, is seen more frequently in adults, and progresses very slowly. Leukemia is also identified by the kind of white blood cell that is affected by the disease, and there are four different types of cells. Symptoms and treatment will vary depending on the type of cell that is affected. Those with chronic leukemia may have no symptoms at all, and many times the disease is diagnosed after routine blood tests detect the abnormal white blood cells. When symptoms do appear they are similar to those of acute illness, although not as severe.