width="280"Leukemia is a cancer of white blood cells (leukocytes). It is the most common type of childhood cancer.

Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. White blood cells help your body fight infections. However, in cases of leukemia the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. These cells replace healthy blood cells and make it difficult for blood to do its function. Leukemia can develop slowly or quickly. Acute leukemia is a type of rapid growth and chronic leukemia grows slowly. Children with leukemia usually have one of the acute types.

Risk factors for childhood leukemia include having a brother or sister with leukemia, have certain genetic disorders and treated with radiation or chemotherapy. Generally, childhood leukemia is curable with treatment. Treatment options include chemotherapy, treatment with other drugs and radiation. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant and stem cells can help.