Cancer of the Blood

Admittedly, the advancements made in modern medicine have greatly improved our quality of life and expanded our lifespan. The former menace of microbial and viral infections such as tetanus, polio, influenza and chicken pox are virtually wiped-out. Disease diagnoses are now more accurate than ever. Thus, diseases can be controlled and even halted in their early stages. Instruments such as x-ray machines, MRI, and CAT scan have greatly extended the capacity of doctors to detect and treat certain ailments. However, after discovering cures and vaccines for some dreaded diseases, newer diseases arose such as the human immunodeficiency virus. Other old diseases such as herpes infection and the common cold remain incurable.

Cancer is one of the ancient mortal health enemies of man. However, unlike other diseases, cancer is the body turning against itself. Ironically, cancer cells can live and multiply indefinitely. In this sense, cancer cells are immortal. Cancer knows no social class or age. Virtually everyone is vulnerable to cancer.

One common type of cancer is leukemia. Leukemia is commonly known as the cancer of the blood but it is also a cancer of the bone marrow. This cancer is characterized by the abnormal production of white blood cells or leukocytes. One early symptom of leukemia is anemia or deficiency of red blood cell. Anemia is caused by the damage in the bone marrow, which is the site of red blood production. Anemia may lead to shortness of breath and fatigue. Other symptoms of leukemia are enlarged lymph nodes or splenomegaly and bone or joint pain.