Individuals with leukemia develop cancerous cells in their bone marrow, which often spreads to the blood. Leukemia is a complex disease with many classifications, and each carries their own distinct diagnosis and treatment process. There are many functions within the body that a doctor must test before a final diagnosis can be made, and early detection is unfortunately quite rare.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Look for Symptoms of Leukemia

Things You’ll Need

—      Internet connection

—      Computer

Step One

Learn about the latest risk factors regarding leukemia. Although there are no proven risks as of yet, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently conducting several in-depth studies.

Step Two

Notice the symptoms of leukemia in yourself and your loved ones. Severe anemia, light-headedness, frequent nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums could be signs of a problem in your blood.

Step Three

Educate yourself on the other signs of leukemia, brought about when the cells leave the bone marrow and enter other parts of the body. Symptoms here can include seizures, vomiting, blurred vision and trouble keeping one’s balance.

Submit to Leukemia Cancer Testing

Step One

See your doctor if you suspect you are ill. He or she will first test to see if you are anemic, a condition that occurs when you are short of red blood cells.

Step Two

Allow your doctor to test for swelling in any of your organs, especially the spleen and liver.

Step Three

Tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms, including joint or bone pain.

Step Four

Ready yourself for a major shift in your lifestyle should you receive a leukemia diagnosis. Patients normally must follow a strict diet and medical process and the treatments are normally lengthy.

Step Five

Explore the leukemia diagnosis process further at the American Cancer Society Web site (see Resources below).