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Our Website http://www.mwb-leukaemia.org.uk explains why we have set up the charity and what we are trying to achieve.
Leukaemia is a nasty, cruel illness and is the second biggest killer of children and teenagers.
We need to find out what is causing it and try and eradicate it in the future so we are not only raising awareness of Leukaemia but also raising funds to get this vital research off the ground.
Additionally, Teenagers are a special group - they need to be treated in facilities that cater specifically for their needs, hence our desire to build Teenage Cancer Unit.
Our primary goal is to raise awareness of the devastating illness that is Leukaemia in the hope that more people will be aware of the signs and symptoms. An earlier diagnosis, earlier treatement - better prognosis?
Most people would say "Its's ONLY Leukaemia, that's curable". Did you know that it is the SECOND BIGGEST KILLER of children and teenagers and the incidence of it is increasing.
Our primary focus is Leukaemia however, we acknowledge that there are many other Cancers affecting our young people such at Testicular, Breast, Ovarian and Bone Cancer to name a few. We will be providing some information on these types of cancer shortly.
So...what should I be looking our for?
- Unexplained weight loss
- Headaches
- Vomiting, at night or early morning
- Increased swelling in the abdomen
- Pain in bones, joints, back, or legs
- Lumps - abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, armpits
- Excessive unexplained bruising
- Bleeding - Nose/Gums/Heavy Periods
- Rash
- Constant infections
- Nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea
- Constant tiredness
- Noticeable pale complexion
- Eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist
- Fevers that come and go without explanation
- General feeling of being unwell
Although it is unlikely that your child will develop cancer, as a parent, you need to be aware of the symptoms of childhood and teenage cancer. As parents, we know our children best. If you notice any sudden changes in health or behaviour, CHECK IT OUT.
Most of the symptoms of cancer can also be attributed to other illnesses so please do not worry if your child displays any of the signs above. In all likelihood, your child will not develop Leukaemia or Other Cancer, however, you must trust your own instinct.
WHAT IS LEUKAEMIA?
Most people think that Leukaemia is a form of cancer of the blood. This is not strictly correct. Leukaemia is really a cancer of the bone marrow. The bone marrow is found in the marrow cavities of the long bones, ribcage and pelvis and contains many different types of cells which actually produce all the various types of blood cells.
The bone marrow is the blood-making factory of the body producing hundreds of millions of red and white blood cells each and every day of our lives. If one of these bone marrow cells becomes cancerous it starts to grow and divide aggressively out of all control and pushes out all the normal blood making cells from the bone marrow.
Consequently normal blood production ceases and the bone marrow and blood begin to fill up with cancerous leukaemia cells which serve no useful function.
There are many different types of bone marrow cell which give rise to the various types of blood cells and it is the particular type of bone marrow cell which becomes malignant determines the type of leukaemia that develops.
2 Types - Acute which starts suddenly and progresses rapidly killing the patient in a matter of weeks if left untreated and Chronic which starts gradually and progresses slowly sometimes taking many months or even years to kill the patient.
Please see our related group for more information http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8819273906