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USA: About leukemia

In the USA, leukaemia is relatively rare but very widely studied; the country is one of the main sources of cancer statistics and research.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, the outline of the USA with glowing cells.
Figure 1.Map of the USA — USA: About leukemia

01Short answer

Cancer cases in the USA are tracked by the National Cancer Institute’s SEER programme and state registries. The main types of leukaemia (ALL, AML, CML and CLL) all occur here; ALL is more common in children, while CLL and AML are more common in older people. Patients have free, reliable sources such as the NCI (cancer.gov), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the NCCN Guidelines for Patients.

02Simple explanation

SEER: national statistics.

Four main types: ALL, AML, CML, CLL.

Free sources: NCI, ACS, ASH, NCCN.

03Scientific explanation

Statistics: SEER publishes new cases, age groups and survival figures every year.

Research: many clinical trials run in the USA; they are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

04What happens in the body?

About the disease

Leukaemia is uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow; its type and genetics guide treatment.

National data

SEER data show the overall picture, but only your doctor can assess your own outlook.

On a dark navy background, streams of light flowing into an archive.
Figure 2.Statistics — USA: About leukemia

Where to start

The first step is usually a primary care physician or an emergency department, followed by referral to a haematologist-oncologist.

On a dark navy background, a book and a tablet.
Figure 3.Information — USA: About leukemia

05Getting started

Four steps.

Know the type — Ask for the exact name of the diagnosis.1Know the typeAsk for the exact name of the diagnosis.
Reliable source — cancer.gov, cancer.org, NCCN.2Reliable sourcecancer.gov, cancer.org, NCCN.
Primary care — For a referral.3Primary careFor a referral.
Support — Patient organisations and groups.4SupportPatient organisations and groups.
ClarityType and plan are known.
SupportYou are not alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
About the diseaseLeukaemia is uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow; its type and genetics guide treatment.
National dataSEER data show the overall picture, but only your doctor can assess your own outlook.
Where to startThe first step is usually a primary care physician or an emergency department, followed by referral to a haematologist-oncologist.

07Key terms

SEER
NCI’s cancer statistics programme.
PCP
Primary care physician.
Haematologist-oncologist
A specialist in blood cancers.
NCCN
National Comprehensive Cancer Network; writes guidelines.

08Key points

  • Write down the diagnosis.
  • Choose official sources.
  • Look at the NCCN patient guide.
  • Prepare your questions.
  • Look for a support group.

09Frequently asked questions

Is leukaemia common in the USA?

Among all cancers it is relatively rare; exact figures are published by SEER.

What language is the information in?

Mostly English; NCI and ACS also have Spanish pages.

Which sources can I trust?

Government (NCI), scientific societies (ASH) and large patient organisations, and your own team.

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. Is leukaemia common in the USA?

  2. What language is the information in?

  3. Which sources can I trust?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI) SEER Program. Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  3. American Cancer Society. Leukemia
  4. American Society of Hematology (ASH). Information for patients
  5. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Guidelines for Patients
  6. HealthTurkiye (USHAS). About us
  7. Memorial Health Group. Memorial Sisli Bone Marrow Transplant Center
  8. Acibadem Healthcare Group. Adult bone marrow transplant centre (in Turkish)
  9. Sheba Medical Center. Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation
  10. Hadassah Medical Center. Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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