Leukemia affects millions of people every year; those who are diagnosed with the disease and their loved ones. With a short life-expectancy in many cases, this killer cancer occurs in both children and adults. There is no known cure for leukemia although there are treatments. Here are some fast facts about leukemia.

Fact 1: There are four types of leukemia: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Fact 2: More males than females are diagnosed with leukemia.

Fact 3: The five-year life expectancy of leukemia patients was 14% in 1960. Today it is 50%.

Fact 4: Children diagnosed with leukemia have the highest life expectancy rate.

Fact 5: The five year survival rate for the disease is higher among white people and lower among African Americans.

Fact 6: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is caused by the rapid production of white blood cells.

Fact 7: It is believed that the Greeks were the first to discover the disease in the 5th century.

Fact 8: Leukemia comes from the Greek words ‘œleukos’ and ‘œhemia’ which means white blood.

Fact 9: Every four minutes someone is diagnosed with leukemia and every ten minutes, someone dies from leukemia.

Fact 10: 1/3 of people living with leukemia are teens and children.

Fact 11: The five year survival rate for the disease is higher among white people and lower among African Americans.

Fact 12: Those of Jewish descent and individuals with Down Syndrome are more vulnerable to the disease.

Fact 13: Marie Curie, the famed scientists who discovered radiation, died of leukemia.

Fact 14: Smoking can cause leukemia in adults, especially males.

Fact 15: Common treatments for leukemia include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant of bone marrow, drugs, and biological therapy.