Important Facts for Leukemias

Definition

The rate of leukemia (ICD-10: C91-C95) in Utah per 100,000 population.

Numerator

The number of new leukemia cancers diagnosed among Utah population for a given time period (ICD-10: C91-C95).

Denominator

Population of Utah for a specific period of time.

Data Interpretation Issues

Cancer diagnoses in 2020 may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the changes in health services and cancer screening accessibility.

Why Is This Important?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and then spreads to the blood. Not all leukemias are the same. Leukemias are divided into four main types based whether it is acute (fast growing) or chronic (slower growing) and whether it starts in myeloid cells or lymphoid cells. Leukemia occurs most commonly in older adults, but acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children.^1^ Some risk factors for developing some types of leukemia include smoking, environmental exposures to chemicals such as benzene, radiation exposure, prior cancer treatment, blood problems, viral infections, and genetics.[[br]] [[br]] ---- 1. [https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/leuks.html]

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offers many services to those affected by these cancers such as educational information, support groups, advocacy and volunteer opportunities, treatment options, and research information. For more information visit [http://www.lls.org/].