The Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, died in Lagos on Wednesday, December 27, in Germany.
He was 67 years old.
Akeredolu had reportedly been battling with Leukemia.
Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal blood cells.
These blood cells are not fully developed and are called blasts or leukemia cells.
In 2015, leukemia was present in 2.3 million people worldwide and caused 353,500 deaths.
In 2012, it had newly developed 352,000 people.
It is the most common type of cancer in children, with three-quarters of leukemia cases in children being the acute lymphoblastic type.
However, over 90% of all leukemias are diagnosed in adults, with CLL and AML being most common in adults.’
It occurs more commonly in the developed world.
Symptoms may include bleeding and bruising, bone pain, fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infections.
These symptoms occur due to a lack of normal blood cells.
Diagnosis is typically made by blood tests or bone marrow biopsy.
Causes of Leukemia
The exact cause of leukemia is unknown.
A combination of genetic factors and environmental (non-inherited) factors are believed to play a role.
Risk factors include smoking, ionizing radiation, petrochemicals (such as benzene), prior chemotherapy, and Down syndrome.
People with a family history of leukemia are also at higher risk.
Treatment may involve some combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplant, in addition to supportive care and palliative care as needed.
Certain types of leukemia may be managed with watchful waiting.
The success of treatment depends on the type of leukemia and the age of the person.
Outcomes have improved in the developed world.
Five-year survival rate is 65% in the United States.
In children under 15 in first-world countries, the five-year survival rate is greater than 60% or even 90%, depending on the type of leukemia,
In children with acute leukemia who are cancer-free after five years, the cancer is unlikely to return.
Specific types of leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL)
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia
Adult T-cell leukemia.
Signs and symptoms
How leukemia affects the body
Having too many leukemia cells and too few normal cells is harmful because leukemia cells serve no purpose in keeping you healthy.
Normal blood cells have very little space and support to mature and multiply inside of your bone marrow because the leukemia cells overtake them.
Fewer red blood cells, healthy white blood cells and platelets are made and released into your blood. As a result, your body’s organs and tissues won’t get the oxygen needed to work properly. Also, your body won’t be able to fight infections or form blood clots when needed.
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