Leukaemia

What Is Leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside our bones where blood cells are made.

Normally, the bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, each with an important job in keeping our bodies healthy. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, white blood cells help fight infections, and platelets help blood to clot and stop bleeding.

Leukaemia develops when certain blood cells begin to grow abnormally and multiply out of control. These abnormal cells can build up in the bone marrow, stopping it from making enough healthy blood cells. This can leave the body struggling to fight infections, carry oxygen and control bleeding.

There are different types of leukaemia. Some develop quickly and are known as acute leukaemia, while others develop more slowly and are known as chronic leukaemia. In children, the most common types are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Symptoms can vary, but may include unusual tiredness, pale skin, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, fever and swollen glands. These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Treatment depends on the type of leukaemia and the individual child. It may include chemotherapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy, and sometimes a stem cell transplant. Treatment can be intensive and may involve long periods in hospital, frequent appointments and significant changes to family life.

Although treatments have improved greatly, leukaemia remains a serious childhood cancer. Research continues to help doctors understand the disease and develop more effective treatments, with the aim of giving every child the best possible chance.

At The Millie Rose Foundation, we believe that raising awareness of all childhood cancers is important. Behind every diagnosis is a child with their own personality, dreams, family and future. By sharing knowledge, supporting families and encouraging research, we hope to help make a difference.

Every child matters. Every family matters. Every story matters.

The Millie Rose Foundation — turning Millie’s legacy into hope for families.