Leukemia is a neoplastic disorder of the white blood cells. The development of malignant blood cells can occur at any point during hematopoiesis and is associated with incorrect DNA sequencing. Although the etiology of leukemia is multifactorial, external factors, such as chemical and ionizing radiation can lead to these DNA sequencing changes within the white blood cells (Wu, 2015)
Globally, approximately 300,000 cases of leukemia are diagnosed each year (Wu, 2015). Approximately 33% more males than females are affected by this neoplastic disorder (Fact Sheet 2014-2015, 2014). Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for 26.9% of cases (Fact Sheet 2014-2015, 2014). After diagnosis, the 5-year survival rate is 20%, indicating that 80% of affected individuals will die within five years. In developed countries, which have greater access to medical care, 31% will survive for 5 or more years. In developing countries, this rate falls to 15%, indicating the need for adequate medical care following diagnosis. In these countries, patients don’t necessarily have access to chemotherapeutic agents, radiation treatment, or matches for bone marrow transplantation. Additionally, inadequate transportation to medical facilities that do provide these services prevents treatment. Treatment of leukemia is constantly evolving in response to patient outcomes and evidence-based practice. Treatment is expensive, damaging to the body, and long-term, which introduces many barriers to adequate treatment. If remission is achieved, maintenance therapy is to be continued for 2-3 years following no flare-ups. In countries with limited health care, treatments such as these are difficult to maintain if available at all (Wu, 2015).
Globally, approximately 300,000 cases of leukemia are diagnosed each year (Wu, 2015). Approximately 33% more males than females are affected by this neoplastic disorder (Fact Sheet 2014-2015, 2014). Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for 26.9% of cases (Fact Sheet 2014-2015, 2014). After diagnosis, the 5-year survival rate is 20%, indicating that 80% of affected individuals will die within five years. In developed countries, which have greater access to medical care, 31% will survive for 5 or more years. In developing countries, this rate falls to 15%, indicating the need for adequate medical care following diagnosis. In these countries, patients don’t necessarily have access to chemotherapeutic agents, radiation treatment, or matches for bone marrow transplantation. Additionally, inadequate transportation to medical facilities that do provide these services prevents treatment. Treatment of leukemia is constantly evolving in response to patient outcomes and evidence-based practice. Treatment is expensive, damaging to the body, and long-term, which introduces many barriers to adequate treatment. If remission is achieved, maintenance therapy is to be continued for 2-3 years following no flare-ups. In countries with limited health care, treatments such as these are difficult to maintain if available at all (Wu, 2015).
We found interest in this topic globally as it is the most common form of pediatric cancer and affects 13 out of every 100,000 people (Fact Sheet 2014-2015, 2014). It is a major health issue that needs to be addressed. We found a local interest in Iraq as we wanted to see how treatment and outcomes vary in this country as compared to the global approach. Additionally research studies conducted in the area show a relationship between the use of depleted uranium in warfare in Iraq and increased levels of leukemia (Hagopian, Lafta, Hassan, Davis, Mirick, & Takaro, 2010). We chose this topic in order to further understand this relationship.