Millions of deaths are caused by cancer. Cancer is the result from abnormal cells throughout the body. "Cells contain chromosomes that control the growth of the cell" (Leukemia, Medline Plus). When the cell production malfunctions the abnormal cells grow uncontrollably without dying, which causes a tumor. Cancer can either be benign or malignant tumors. Benign tumors are tumors that do not contact any tissues or cells, whereas malignant does. "Cancers are named depending on where they start out in the body" (Leukemia, Medline Plus). One specific type of cancer is Leukemia. This cancer gets it name because it affects the leukocytes (white blood cells) in the body. "Leukemia has been the cause of death in approximately 27,000 adults and 2,000 children in the United States each year" (Leukemia, Medline Plus). If one notices the symptoms and gets the appropriate treatment they have a better chance of winning the battle against leukemia. .
Leukemia is the cause of malfunction in the production of white blood cells. The body consists of white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells, and platelets. Leukocytes main purpose is to fight off bacteria and infection throughout the body. Red blood cells are used to carry oxygen throughout the body. Platelet's main purpose is to clot blood cells when a person is bleeding so they do not bleed to death. "The production of these blood cells occurs in the center of bone marrow. The abnormal cells override the normal cells making it hard for them to work" (Leukemia, Medline Plus). Leukemia can either be acute leukemia or chronic leukemia. "Depending on the cancer aggressiveness, it can either be acute or chronic" (Foon, and Vacikus). If a patient has acute leukemia it means that the production of abnormal cells is increasing quickly. If someone has chronic leukemia it means the production of abnormal cells is increasing over time.