Leukemia: Information, Research, Support
Leukemia is the most common blood cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 29,000 adults and 2,000 children are diagnosed with the disease each year. If you or someone you love is affected by leukemia, you'll want answers. Having an understanding of the disease is to your advantage, and fortunately, the Internet hosts a wealth of reliable leukemia information.
The best sources on the Web for general information on leukemia are reputable medical organizations, such as the Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute. You don't have to be a doctor or health professional to understand the information on these sites; most provide thorough overviews of the disease written to be accessible to the general public.
- Many of these Web sites offer free PDF pamphlets, booklets, or informational sheets that you can easily print for reference. You might also want to look for a toll-free number or "Contact Us" page, since it's usually possible to request printed materials, too. An example provided on MedicineNet.com is The Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER), where readers can learn about the rare forms of leukemia.
For overviews ...
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
is a great place to start if you're just beginning your leukemia research. Medical terms found in the text are hyperlinked to the site's glossary, so you can familiarize yourself with terms like "monocytes" and "anemia" as you read. The "What is Leukemia?" section has quite extensive overviews of the four types of leukemia: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
National Cancer Institute
is associated with the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The site has information for both the patient and the medical professional, so health-savvy folks or those knowledgeable about medicine can read the same information that's being given to physicians. Included on the Web site is a dictionary of cancer terms and news about the latest clinical trials related to leukemia.
InteliHealth
is designed to provide medical advice and information from trusted medical sources, including Harvard Medical School and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. The leukemia portion of the Web site was reviewed by Harvard Medical School, and it includes a brief but thorough overview of the disease. The links to additional info are particularly useful.
Mayo Clinic
's leukemia section is written in simple, easy-to-understand language that clearly explains terms and jargon. This is the ideal site for someone who wants to learn about leukemia without wading through unfamiliar medical terms. You'll find information about the signs and symptoms, risk factors, screening, and treatment of the disease.
MedlinePlus
has useful diagrams to supplement the article, perfect for those who prefer visual learning. Moreover, the narration and associated animations make this a good learning tool for children. The slides introduce issues like symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as facts about chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Note that the information requires a Flash Player.
MedicineNet
's leukemia section includes a glossary, some black-and-white pictures, and an organized menu of topics. This site is best for those who want a clear, illustrated overview of leukemia with a moderate amount of medical terminology. Risk factors, symptoms, and treatments are covered, and you'll also find information about the side effects of leukemia treatment.
WebMD
's leukemia section is extremely detailed, and includes signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and prevention. The information about the medications and surgery for leukemia is particularly detailed.
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Clinical trials allow patients to test new medications or treatments that are not yet available ... read more »
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Medical researchers are always working to develop new medications, treatments, and screenings for ... read more »
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Sometimes the best support comes from other people who have lived through the same experience. ... read more »
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