Leukemia: Advances in treatment have improved odds of survival

Individuals today lead hectic lives, and minor symptoms such as weakness or fever do not cause alarm. However, in the case of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer, dismissing these symptoms can be dangerous.

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AML is the most common form of blood cancer that affects adults. It progresses rapidly and has a poor prognosis.

From 1990 to 2021, the number of cases rose from 79,372 to 1.4 lakh, an 82.3% increase. Similarly, the number of deaths also increased approximately by 73.9% to over 1.3 lakh. Furthermore, India was among the top three countries with the greatest increase in AML incidence. Increasing awareness about this overlooked disease is crucial to prevent more deaths.

Understanding AML

AML is a form of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow. The bone marrow contains mother cells (stem cells) that convert into all the cells present in the blood as per the body's requirement. These include red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells that transport oxygen, facilitate clotting, and fight against infections, respectively.