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Questions and answers

Is leukemia cancer?

When people hear the diagnosis, many first ask: is this cancer? The answer is yes. But knowing what the word means makes the fear smaller.

Last updated: ~2 min read
Leukemia lives in the blood and forms no lump
Figure 1.Leukemia lives in the blood and forms no lump

01Short answer

Yes, leukemia is a cancer: a cancer of the blood-forming cells. Cancer means cells multiplying out of control. Leukemia usually does not form a tumour (a lump), because the abnormal cells are in the blood and bone marrow, so it is sometimes called a “liquid cancer”. It is treated with methods that act on the whole body. The word “cancer” is not an outlook: the course of leukemia depends greatly on the type and its genetics.

02Simple explanation

Cancer is body cells multiplying without following the rules.

In leukemia these are the “parent” cells of the blood cells.

So the disease is not in one spot like a tumour; it is spread through the blood and marrow.

03Scientific explanation

In oncology, cancer is defined as cells losing control over growth and death because of genetic changes. Leukemias belong to the haematological malignancies.

Unlike solid tumours, leukemias often do not use “stages”; risk groups and genetic markers are used instead.

04What happens in the body?

What cancer is

Normally cells divide when needed and die when they age. In cancer this rule breaks: a cell divides non-stop and does not die. This can happen in any tissue.

Why leukemia is a “liquid” cancer

Leukemia cells arise in the bone marrow and enter the blood. They do not form a lump in one place, so they cannot be cut out with surgery. Treatment such as chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy or transplant acts on the whole body.

A solid tumour compared with a liquid cancer
Figure 2.A solid tumour compared with a liquid cancer

The word and the reality

The word “cancer” is often linked with the worst case. But some types of leukemia are kept under control for years, and in others long remission after treatment is possible. Discuss your own situation with your doctor.

Understanding eases fear
Figure 3.Understanding eases fear

05How cancer arises

A cell losing control goes through four stages.

Normal control — Cells divide only as needed.1Normal controlCells divide only as needed.
Control lost — A genetic change speeds up division.2Control lostA genetic change speeds up division.
Spread in the blood — Abnormal cells circulate in the blood.3Spread in the bloodAbnormal cells circulate in the blood.
Whole-body treatment — Treatment targets the whole blood system.4Whole-body treatmentTreatment targets the whole blood system.
Less fearUnderstanding the word eases anxiety.
The right questionsAsk about the type and the risk group.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What cancer isNormally cells divide when needed and die when they age. In cancer this rule breaks: a cell divides non-stop and does not die. This can happen in any tissue.
Why leukemia is a “liquid” cancerLeukemia cells arise in the bone marrow and enter the blood. They do not form a lump in one place, so they cannot be cut out with surgery. Treatment such as chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy or transplant acts on the whole body.
The word and the realityThe word “cancer” is often linked with the worst case. But some types of leukemia are kept under control for years, and in others long remission after treatment is possible. Discuss your own situation with your doctor.

07Key terms

Malignant
Growing out of control and able to spread.
Blood cancer
Cancer of the blood, marrow or lymphatic system.
Risk group
A grouping used to predict the course.

08Key points

  • Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming cells.
  • It usually does not form a tumour.
  • Treatment acts on the whole body.
  • The word “cancer” is not an outlook.

09Frequently asked questions

Does leukemia have stages?

Most types use risk groups and phases instead of stages.

Does leukemia spread to other organs?

Because the cells circulate, the spleen, liver, lymph nodes or central nervous system are sometimes involved.

Oncologist or haematologist?

Leukemia is usually treated by a haematologist or haemato-oncologist.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does leukemia have stages?

  2. Does leukemia spread to other organs?

  3. Oncologist or haematologist?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). What Is Cancer?
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Leukemia
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
  5. NHS (UK). Acute myeloid leukaemia
  6. NHS. High temperature (fever) in adults
  7. NHS. How to wash your hands
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer (booklet)
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  10. Anthony Nolan. Understanding stem cell transplants
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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