Leukemia: Nursing Diagnoses, Care Plans, Assessment & Interventions

Leukemia refers to a group of cancers affecting the blood and other blood-forming tissues of the lymphatic system, bone marrow, and spleen. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer but can occur in all age groups.

Like other cancers, leukemia results from a mutation in the DNA of cells. The overproduction of abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells, resulting in a lack of oxygenated cells, poor blood clotting, and an inability to fight infection.

Leukemia may occur from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Other risk factors include exposure to chemicals and pesticides, radiation, viruses, and smoking.

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