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Leukemia is a type of blood cancer. It develops in the bone marrow and is the most common form of cancer in children.
Leukemia affects around 3,800 children each year in the United States, which is about 30 percent of childhood cancers. Leukemia affects both children and adults, but it is most common in children aged 2 to 6 years old. The disease occurs slightly more frequently in males than females, and it is more common in Caucasian children than in children of other races.
Children and teens with leukemia are treated through the Leukemia Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber/Boston Children's has played a key role in refining treatment for childhood leukemia, and we continue to be a world leader in leukemia clinical trials designed to increase cure rates, decrease treatment-related side effects and improve care for long-term survivors. The Leukemia Program also offers families the chance to have their child's leukemia cells molecularly profiled, which may help identify opportunities for targeted treatment.
Find in-depth details on leukemia in children on the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's website, including leukemia causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
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