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 ... read more »
The symptoms that characterize leukemia can vary based on the patient, but frequent infections, ... read more »
Leukemia treatments vary depending on the type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, and the ... read more »
Although many hospitals treat leukemia, some are particularly renowned, or provide special services. Teaching hospitals, for example, often offer participation in clinical trials that are unavailable at other facilities. Finding a hospital with the right fit can be difficult. Patients must consider factors such as distance, expense, and medical insurance. Moreover, many excellent hospitals choose patients based on specific criteria, such as the stage of the disease.
Nonetheless, it's a good idea to carefully research your various hospital options before committing to one. Consider visiting a few and getting multiple opinions from physicians.
- Look for links to "Make an Appointment" or "Patient Referral" to find out how to become a patient at these hospitals. You'll either get a phone number or detailed information about the referral process.
- In general, children's hospitals tend to have more non-medical programs for kids, such as day camps for kids with cancer or other entertainment-type events. If you're a parent with a child who has leukemia, look for links to other services offered by the hospital.
For everyone ...
MD Anderson Cancer Center
at The University of Texas boasts "the largest practice of leukemia subspecialists in the world." They treat adult leukemia patients with all different types of leukemia. The Web site includes an online database of the hospital's open clinical trials for all types of cancer.
Johns Hopkins
hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is a renowned teaching and research hospital. All four types of leukemia are treated at this hospital, so the facility has both adults and children as patients. The hospital uses an individualized approach to treatment and regularly runs clinical trials. Click on "Making an Appointment" for detailed information about getting an appointment at this hospital.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
is based in New York, and their leukemia team includes more than 30 experts in the field. The hospital performs various clinical trials that are open to patient participation. Look for the "Making an Appointment" button toward the top of the page to get information about becoming a patient at this hospital.
Mayo Clinic
has three locations: Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota. Adults with leukemia are treated at all locations, but children are mostly treated in Minnesota. The Web site includes "Patient Stories," so potential patients can get a greater understanding of the disease and how it will affect their life. The Mayo Clinic also offers information about their clinical trials on their Web site.
For children only ...
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
is probably one of the best-known children's hospitals. The Web site includes a phone number and e-mail address that parents can use to contact the hospital if they want their child to be treated. This research hospital was instrumental in combination therapy for children with leukemia, and it continues to research new ways to cure and control the disease.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
was ranked the best pediatric hospital in 2007 by U.S. News & World Report. There are resources for the family-such as psychosocial services and financial assistance-as well as information about their research on their Web site. Simply click on "Contact Us" to get the phone numbers you'll need to speak with a hospital associate. Or select, "Request an appointment," then fill out and submit the form online form.
Children's Hospital Boston
treats children and adolescents with leukemia. Their staff members are experts in the field of childhood leukemia, and the Web site includes detailed information about the physicians. Check out "Referral Process" for instructions about how to get your child treated at this hospital.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
in California has experts on staff who specialize in bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant. The Web site includes information about the physicians and services offered by the hospital. The site also offers a brief overview of the hospital's current research. If you'd like your child to be admitted, click on "Contact Us" to find a phone number for the Parent Referral Center.
The Children's Hospital in Denver
offers a full range of services, and their Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders treats more than 870 patients each year. The Web site offers a variety of links to resources, including cancer associations and a health library.
Clinical trials allow patients to test new medications or treatments that are not yet available ... read more »
There are numerous not-for-profit organizations that focus on raising funds for leukemia research, ... read more »
Medical researchers are always working to develop new medications, treatments, and screenings for ... read more »
If you or someone you love has leukemia, you may wish to help in some way. Many organizations and ... read more »
Sometimes the best support comes from other people who have lived through the same experience. ... read more »
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