Cancer Facts
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma
& Myelodysplastic Syndromes:
Populations at Risk
cell that begins to multiply continuously diagnosed cancer in the United States.1
W e are among the more than
800,000 persons in the United
States living with leukemia, Hodgkin and
and interferes with the body’s production
of normal blood and immune cells. As a
Our deaths are estimated at over 50,000
per year—however, our likelihood of
WHO WE ARE
non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and result, without treatment, we may dying from most types of cancer of
myelodysplastic syndromes.1 We share develop severe anemia, be predisposed blood and marrow has decreased
what are considered to be related to bleed easily, and/or have a decreased significantly in the past 10 years.2 We
cancers of the blood and marrow—they ability to fight infections. remain hopeful about the improved
all arise from cells with a common origin management of our diseases with risk-
and related functions, the lympho Every five minutes a person will join us adapted therapy approaches, new
hematopoietic stem cells. Our diseases as a cancer patient. We will total about anticancer drugs and advances in
usually result from an acquired genetic 135,000 new cases per year, or more radiation therapy and stem cell
injury to the DNA of a single abnormal than 9 percent of all people with newly transplantation techniques.
Leukemia
Leukemia is the general term for four different types of blood Estimated Percentage
cancers that each begin in a cell in the bone marrow. The rate of New Cases (%) in
at which leukemia progresses, how the cells replace the normal 2007 for Each Type of
blood and marrow cells, and the treatment needed are different Leukemia in Adults
with each type of leukemia. Chronic types of leukemia usually and Children
progress slowly and account for slightly more new cases each
year compared to acute types of leukemia.3
Source: Ries LAG, Harkins D,
THE FOUR MAJOR TYPES OF LEUKEMIA Krapcho M, et al., eds. SEER Cancer
Statistics Review, 1975-2003.
Bethesda MD: National Cancer
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Institute; 2006.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
● All leukemias accounted for approximately 1,100 deaths in
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
2006 among Hispanics/Latinos, making up about 9 percent
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) of all cancer-related deaths for this group.4
● All leukemias accounted for approximately 1,800 deaths in
2007 among African Americans/blacks, making up about 6
Leukemia Facts percent of all cancer-related deaths in this group.4
● In 2006, there were about 1,500 new cases of all leukemias ● The five-year survival rate for African American/blacks with
among Hispanic/Latino men, accounting for about 4 percent all leukemias is approximately 10 percent lower than for non-
of all new cancer cases among this group.4 Hispanic/Latino whites.4,5
Project Director
Nicholas K. Iammarino, PhD, CHES
Research Assistant
Elizabeth L. Clark
This ICC Cancer Fact Sheet was made possible through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through a cooperative agreement
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Cooperative Agreement # U58/CCU224200-03)
● Incidence rates for all leukemias are lower for African
Americans/blacks than for non-Hispanic/Latino whites.4,5
● Minorities tend to have poorer survival after receiving
hematopoietic stem cell transplants for all leukemias
compared to non-Hispanic/Latino whites.6
● Hispanic/Latino adults have lower incidence rates for the
major types of leukemia compared to non-Hispanic/Latino
whites and African Americans/blacks.2
● Among men, the incidence of leukemia has increased over
the past 30 years.2
● Research has shown that tobacco smoke increases the risk ● African American/black men with acute myelogenous
of several types of cancer, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) have worse remission rates and poorer
leukemia. Further, preconception paternal smoking and survival rates when compared to other racial and ethnic
postnatal passive smoking may increase the risk for groups.12
childhood acute myelogenous leukemia and acute
lymphocytic leukemia.7
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Facts
● Given equal access to treatment, African American/black and
non-Hispanic/Latino white children benefit similarly from
Acute Leukemias therapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and experience
similar treatment outcomes.13
In acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute ● Hispanics/Latinos have higher incidence and mortality rates
lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the abnormal cell that starts for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) than non-
the disease goes on to form about a trillion more leukemia Hispanic/Latino whites.4,14
cells. The leukemia cells do not function like normal cells.
They also crowd out the normal red cells, white cells, and ● Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 75 to 80
platelets in the marrow. A decrease in the number of new percent of all pediatric leukemia cases. The incidence of ALL
normal cells made in the marrow results in low red cell is higher in both children and adolescents among
counts in the blood (anemia). AML and ALL progress Hispanics/Latinos than non-Hispanic/Latino whites.4
rapidly without treatment.
● New cases of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in
About 13,410 people in the United States were diagnosed Hispanic/Latino children are higher compared to non-
with AML in 2007. About 5,200 people in the United States Hispanic/Latino whites and African Americans/blacks.14
were diagnosed with ALL in 2007. ALL is the most common
● Among predominantly Hispanic/Latino children over 10 years
type of leukemia in children under age 15.8,9
old, obesity increases the risk for relapse of acute lymphocytic
leukemia (ALL),15 while among predominantly Hispanic/
Latino children under 10 years old, obesity is not associated
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Facts with decreased survival from ALL.16
● Overweight and underweight children with acute
myelogenous leukemia (AML) may be more likely to ● Obese children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) are
experience complications during treatment that can reduce more inclined to experience treatment-induced
survival.10 hyperglycemia, which increases the risk for infection,
mortality, and relapse.17
● Although some researchers have reported no differences in
survival between African American/black and non- ● African American/black, Hispanic/Latino, and American
Hispanic/Latino white children with AML, there seem to be Indian/Alaska Native children with acute lymphocytic
pharmacogenetic differences between races that could likely leukemia (ALL) have poorer survival rates than non-
affect survival outcomes.11 Hispanic/Latino white and Asian/Pacific Islander children.18
2 Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma & Myelodysplastic Syndromes Fact Sheet
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the cell that
starts the disease makes abnormal lymphocytes (a type
of white cell) that replace normal cells in the marrow and
lymph nodes. The disease weakens the body’s immune
● American Indian/Alaska Native children have the worst
response. The high number of CLL cells in the marrow
survival rates of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) of any
may crowd out normal blood-forming cells and lead to
race or ethnic group.18
anemia. A very high number of CLL cells building up in
the marrow also can lead to low neutrophil (another type
of white cell) and platelet counts. About 15,340 new cases
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) of CLL were diagnosed in the United States in 2007.20
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) results from a
translocation involving chromosome 22 (called “the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Facts
Philadelphia chromosome”) and chromosome 9. The ● Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans/blacks have lower
result of the translocation is a mutant gene called BCR incidence rates for chronic lymphocytic leukemia when
ABL which leads to CML and also is involved in a form of compared to non-Hispanic/Latino whites.14
acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) called Philadelphia-
positive ALL. About 4,570 people were diagnosed with ● Hispanics/Latinos have fewer new cases of chronic
CML in the United States in 2007. In CML, the abnormal lymphocytic leukemia when compared to African
cell that starts the disease makes blood cells that Americans/blacks.14
function almost like normal cells. The number of red
● Males have a higher incidence rate for chronic lymphocytic
cells is usually less than normal, resulting in anemia. If
leukemia than females.21
untreated, anemia can become severe and the white cell
count can rise so high that blood flow slows down.19 ● Obesity increases the risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
among non-Hispanic/Latino white and African
American/black men.22
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Facts Lymphoma
● Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans/blacks have lower
incidence rates for chronic myelogenous leukemia than Lymphoma is a general term for several types of Hodgkin
non-Hispanic/Latino whites.14 and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These types of blood
cancer begin in bone marrow and lymphatic tissue when
● African Americans/blacks and Hispanics/Latinos have similar
a cell that is destined to become a lymphocyte (a type of
incidence rates for chronic myelogenous leukemia for all
white cell) becomes abnormal and begins to multiply
age groups.14
rapidly. If untreated, the resulting increase in abnormal
cells crowds out healthy cells and develop into tumors in
the body’s lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic
system. More than half of people diagnosed with a blood
cancer have one of the many types of lymphoma.23
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma & Myelodysplastic Syndromes Fact Sheet 3
Lymphoma Facts
● Among the elderly, lymphomas represent a significant public
health problem due to their high incidence rates (170.6 cases
per 100,000 person-years).24
● Among children, the risk of developing lymphoma is similar
between Hispanics/Lationos and Non-Hispanic/Latino ● Asians have lower incidence rates for leukemia and Hodgkin
whites.4 lymphoma compared to non-Hispanic/Latino whites and
African Americans/blacks.24
Estimated Percentage ● Although earlier studies link socioeconomic status (SES) with
of New Cases (%) of Hodgkin lymphoma, more recent studies show that the
Blood Cancers in 2007 disease (in the study population) is closer associated with race
and ethnicity than SES.26
● Smokers have twice the risk of acquiring Hodgkin lymphoma
compared to nonsmokers. This risk is still high for former
smokers who have recently quit.27
● Severe obesity (body mass index >35 kg/m2) is associated with
a higher risk of acquiring Hodgkin lymphoma.27
Source: Ries LAG, Harkins D,
Krapcho M, et al., eds. SEER
Cancer Statistics Review,
● African Americans/blacks have lower incidence rates and
1975-2003. Bethesda MD: mortality rates for Hodgkin lymphoma compared to non-
National Cancer Institute; 2006. Hispanic/Latino whites.4
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)
The subtypes that comprise non-Hodgkin lymphoma are
Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of
a diverse group of cancers. An estimated 63,190 people
abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells and Hodgkin
living in the United States were diagnosed with non-
cells. Treatment for HL may vary based on the patient’s
Hodgkin lymphoma in 2007. The distinctions among the
type of HL. An estimated 8,190 people living in the
different NHL types are based on the characteristics of
United States were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma
the cancer cells. The different NHL types are classified as
in 2007.23
indolent or aggressive, and low-, intermediate-, or high-
grade. Treatments vary by type of NHL.23
Hodgkin Lymphoma Facts
● African American/black children with Hodgkin lymphoma
have lower event-free survival than non-Hispanic/Latino
white children; both populations have the same five year
overall survival.25
4 Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma & Myelodysplastic Syndromes Fact Sheet
Myeloma
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are
made by B lymphocytes (a type of white cell) and are
primarily in the marrow and also in many other tissues
in the body. Almost 20,000 Americans were diagnosed
with myeloma in the United States in 2007. In myeloma,
a type of cell that is destined to become a B lymphocyte
becomes abnormal. This leads to the rapid growth of
plasma cells in the marrow. Myeloma can destroy
healthy bone tissue and crowd out normal blood cells.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Facts Masses of plasma cells may form outside of the marrow
● Among women, there is a correlation between obesity (body in other parts of the body.31
mass index >30 kg/m2) and the incidence of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma.28
● In 2006, there were nearly 4,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma among Hispanics/Latinos, representing about 9
percent of total new cancer cases among this group.4
Myeloma Facts
● In 2007, there were about 3,800 new cases of myeloma among
● Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the eighth leading cause of African Americans/blacks, accounting for 5 percent of all new
cancer-related death among Hispanics/Latinos, accounting cancer cases among this group.4
for 10 percent of all cancer-related deaths among this group.4
● In 2007, there were approximately 4,800 new cases of non-
Hodgkin lymphoma among African Americans/blacks, Five-Year Relative Survival Rates Comparing
accounting for 6 percent of all new cancer cases among this 1960-1963, 1975-1977, and 1996-2003
group.4
● The five-year survival rate for African Americans/blacks with
non-Hodgkin lymphoma is poorer (approximately 10 percent
lower) than for non-Hispanic/Latino whites.4
● Incidence rates and mortality rates for non-Hodgkin
lymphoma are lower in African Americans/blacks than in
non-Hispanic/Latino whites.4
● While obesity increases one’s risk for non-Hodgkin
lymphoma, exercise has been shown to decrease this risk.29
● Obesity may be associated with higher mortality rates among
male and female patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and
myeloma.30
● Among women, the incidence rates of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma and leukemia have increased over the past 30
years.2
Sources: SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) Cancer Statistics Review,
1975-2004, National Cancer Institute, 2007 and SEER 1973-1993, National Cancer
● New cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia are Institute, 1996. *Myeloma Biology and Management, 2nd Edition, Oxford University
higher in Hispanic/Latino populations compared to African Press, 1998.
American/black populations.2
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma & Myelodysplastic Syndromes Fact Sheet 5
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a group of diseases of
the blood and marrow, with varying degrees of severity,
treatment needs, and life expectancy. About 10,268 cases of
MDS were reported in the United States between 2001 and
2004.1 However, some researchers estimate that the numbers
may actually be much higher. MDS has been known as
“smoldering leukemia,” “preleukemia” or “oligoleukemia.”
Many patients ask whether MDS is “cancer.” MDS is a
diagnosis of cancer, meaning that there is a mutation of a
● In 2007, there were approximately 1,800 deaths among normal cell leading to the development of cells that no
African Americans/blacks due to myeloma, accounting longer behave normally. However, it is important to know
for about 6 percent of all cancer-related deaths within this that the course of some types of MDS may be slower and
group.4 interfere less with quality of life than the course of diseases
not considered “cancer,” such as congestive heart failure or
● African Americans/blacks have twice the risk of being emphysema. With MDS, blood cell production in the
diagnosed with myeloma, and have twice the mortality marrow is usually increased and the marrow becomes filled
rate compared to non-Hispanic/Latino whites.2 with more than the normal number of developing blood
cells. The blood is usually deficient in cells because the
● Hispanics/Latinos have higher incidence rates for developing cells in the marrow die as they approach
myeloma than non-Hispanic/Latino whites.2 maturity, before they would normally be released into the
blood. This leads to reduction in the number of circulating
● Among men, the incidence of myeloma has increased over
red cells, neutrophils (a type of white cell), and platelets.34
the past 30 years.2
● Obesity may be associated with higher mortality rates
among male and female patients with non-Hodgkin
lymphoma and myeloma.30 Myelodysplastic Syndromes Facts
● Obesity, which is more prevalent in African ● Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a disease of the elderly.35
American/black communities, may increase the risk for From 2000 to 2050, the number and percentage of Americans
myeloma.32 over age 65 is expected to double. As the population ages, many
diseases that predominantly affect older individuals will
● African Americans/blacks experience an increase in become more prevalent.36
incidence for myeloma a decade earlier compared to other
racial and ethnic groups.33 ● There is a critical need for further research of age-associated
disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes. Hematopoietic
● Survival is poorer among African Americans/blacks stem cell research has shown more high-level abnormalities in
diagnosed with myeloma compared to other racial or stem cells derived from bone marrow of older patients than
ethnic groups, suggesting a more rapid and aggressive from younger adults and from cord blood samples from
course of the disease.33 newborns.37
● The traditional ways in which cancer is studied—by clinical
trials focusing on younger, healthier patients—has left us devoid
of useful data with which to treat older patients in an
evidenced-based fashion. Not only have these earlier trials
failed to establish the relative efficacy of cancer treatment in the
elderly, but they also were unable to provide information related
to the short and long-term complications of treatment
including decline in function.38
6 Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma & Myelodysplastic Syndromes Fact Sheet
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Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma & Myelodysplastic Syndromes Fact Sheet 7
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