Since EPCALM was founded 17 years ago (on 12 May 2005; and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 29 December 2009), it has serviced about 342 adult leukemia patients from all over the Philippines, and even some outside the country.
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer involving the overproduction of abnormal or non-functioning white blood cells (WBCs). It is classified according to the rate of progression and the type of WBC involved. Men are more at risk for leukemia than women. It has been known to hit at any stage in life, although its incidence increases with age. The exact cause of leukemia remains elusive.
From October to December 2022, EPCALM registered a total of 75 serviced patients. Of this number, 32 were classified with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML); 28 with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML); 9 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL); three with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL); one with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS); one with Burkitt Lymphoma (BL); and one diagnosed with both AML and ALL.
According to the type of WBC involved, leukemia has two types: (a) lymphocytic, which affects the lymphoid cells. The symptoms include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin; and (b) myelogenous, which affects myeloid cells (immature WBC).
The four main types of leukemia are the following: (1) Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) –This is the most common type of leukemia affecting young children, although it still does affect adults; (2) Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) –This is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults; (3) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) –Many people with the condition will not have any symptoms for years. Chronic leukemia tends to be harder to manage than acute ones; and (4) Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) –This affects mostly adults. It is a slow-moving subtype, though it can alter its progression, and suddenly become an acute, rapidly-progressing condition.
With continuing advances in medicine, and our growing understanding of the human body, leukemia patients can look ahead to more effective regimens and remedies. But the road to recovery starts with an accurate and early diagnosis.
EPCALM continues to regularly update its patient registry, especially with the increase in the number of public inquiries received. You may send your questions on how to be a serviced patient through our Feedback Form found on our EPCALM website –www.epcalmfoundation.org.
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