An estimated 25,700 new cases in 1995, approximately evenly divided into acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounts for approximately 2,000 of the cases of leukemia among children. Mortality An estimated 20,400 deaths in 1995. Signs and Symptoms Fatigue, paleness, weight loss, repeated infections, bruising easily, and nosebleed or other hemorrhages. In children, these signs can appear suddenly.
Chronic leukemia can progress slowly and with few symptoms.
Risk Factors Leukemia strikes both sexes and all ages. Causes of most cases are unknown. Persons with Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities have higher than normal incidence 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.