What is leukemia in children?

Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells. It starts when cells in the bone marrow become leukemia cells. Over time, these cells crowd out the healthy blood cells in the blood, bone marrow, and other tissues. There are many different kinds of leukemia. The type of treatment your child receives depends on the type of leukemia your child has.

Leukemia is usually treated with medicines, such as chemotherapy. Your child may also need radiation treatments or a procedure called a stem cell transplant. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also used to treat leukemia. Your doctor will talk to you about what type of leukemia your child has and what kinds of treatment may be best.

• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Make sure your child eats healthy food. If your child does not feel like eating, give your child food that has protein and extra calories to keep up strength and prevent weight loss.
• Make sure your child gets some physical activity every day, but do not let your child get too tired.
• Help your child get enough sleep, and take time to do things your child enjoys. This can help reduce stress.
• Get help if you or your child needs it. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or counselor.
• If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea:
  • Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids until your child feels better.
  • When your child is feeling better, have your child eat clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.