Latest news with #AcuteLymphocyticLeukemia
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Children living near oil and gas wells face higher risk of rare leukemia, studies show
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in children, although it is rare. It begins in the bone marrow and rapidly progresses. Long-term survival rates exceed 90%, but many survivors face lifelong health challenges. Those include heart conditions, mental health struggles and a greater chance of developing a second cancer. Overall cancer rates in the U.S. have declined since 2002, but childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia rates continue to rise. This trend underscores the need for prevention rather than focusing only on treatment for this disease. A growing body of literature suggests exposure to the types of chemicals emitted from oil and natural gas wells increases the risk of developing childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia. We are environmental epidemiologists focused on understanding the health implications of living near oil and natural gas development operations in Colorado and Pennsylvania. Both states experienced a rapid increase in oil and natural gas development in residential areas beginning in the early 21st century. We've studied this issue in these states, using different datasets and some different approaches. 2 studies, similar findings Both of our studies used a case-control design. This design compares children with cancer, known as cases, with children without cancer, known as controls. We used data from statewide birth and cancer registries. We also used specialized mapping techniques to estimate exposure to oil and natural gas development during sensitive time windows, such as pregnancy or early childhood. The Colorado study looked at children born between 1992 and 2019. The study included 451 children diagnosed with leukemia and 2,706 children with no cancer diagnosis. It considered how many oil and natural gas wells were near a child's home and how intense the activity was at each well. Intensity of activity included the volume of oil and gas production and phase of well production. The Colorado study found that children ages 2-9 living in areas with the highest density and intensity wells within eight miles (13 kilometers) of their home were at least two times more likely to be diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Children with wells within three miles (five kilometers), of their home bore the greatest risk. The Pennsylvania study looked at 405 children diagnosed with leukemia between 2009 and 2017 and 2,080 children without any cancer diagnosis. This study found that children living within 1.2 miles (two kilometers) of oil and natural gas wells at birth were two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia between ages 2 to 7 than those who lived farther than 1.2 miles away. The risk of developing leukemia was more pronounced in children who were exposed during their mother's pregnancy. The results of our two studies are also supported by a previous study in Colorado published in 2017. That study found children diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia were four times more likely to live in areas with a high density of oil and natural gas wells than children diagnosed with other cancers. Policy implications To extract oil and natural gas from underground reserves, heavy drilling equipment injects water and chemicals into the earth under high pressure. Petroleum and contaminated wastewater are returned to the surface. It is well established that these activities can emit cancer-causing chemicals. Those include benzene, as well as other pollutants, to the air and water. The U.S. is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas. There are almost 1 million producing wells across the country, and many of these are located in or near residential areas. This puts millions of children at increased risk of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. In the U.S., oil and natural gas development is generally regulated at the state level. Policies aimed at protecting public health include establishing minimum distances between a new well and existing homes, known as a setback distance. These policies also include requirements for emission control technologies on new and existing wells and restrictions on the construction of new wells. Setbacks offer a powerful solution to reduce noise, odors and other hazards experienced by communities near oil and gas wells. However, it is challenging to establish a universal setback that optimally addresses all hazards. That's because noise, air pollutants and water contaminants dissipate at different rates depending on location and other factors. In addition, setbacks focus exclusively on where to place oil and natural gas wells but do not impose any restrictions on releases of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. Therefore, they do not address regional air quality issues or mitigate climate change. Furthermore, current U.S. setback distances range from just 200 feet to 3,200 feet. Our results indicate that even the largest setback of 3,200 feet (one kilometer) is not sufficient to protect children from an increased leukemia risk. Our results support a more comprehensive policy approach that considers both larger setback distances and mandatory monitoring and control of hazardous emissions on both new and existing wells. Future research More research is needed in other states, such as Texas and California, that have oil and natural gas development in residential areas, as well as on other pediatric cancers. One such cancer is acute myeloid leukemia. This is another type of leukemia that starts in bone marrow and rapidly progresses. This cancer has exhibited a strong link to benzene exposure in adult workers in several industries, including the petroleum industry. Researchers have also documented a moderate cancer link for children exposed to vehicular benzene. It remains unclear whether benzene is the culprit or if another agent or combination of hazards is an underlying cause of acute myeloid leukemia. Even though questions remain, we believe the existing evidence coupled with the seriousness of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia supports enacting further protective measures. We also believe policymakers should consider the cumulative effects from wells, other pollution sources and socioeconomic stressors on children and communities. Read more of our stories about Colorado and Pennsylvania. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Lisa McKenzie, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Nicole Deziel, Yale University Read more: Oil and gas communities are a blind spot in America's climate and economic policies How weakened US fossil fuel regulations threaten environmental justice in Colorado Coloradans reject restrictions on drilling distances from homes and schools Lisa McKenzie receives funding from the American Cancer Society and the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Nicole Deziel receives funding from the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health, and the Yale School of Public Health. Solve the daily Crossword
Health Line
08-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Survival Rates and Outlook for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Key takeaways Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer primarily affecting children. It has high cure rates in this group, though survival rates are lower for adults but gradually improving. Factors influencing survival rates include age at diagnosis, subtype of ALL, and how quickly a patient responds to treatment, with younger patients and certain subtypes generally having better outcomes. People with subtypes such as pre-B, common, or early pre-B generally have better outcomes compared to those with mature B-cell (Burkitt) leukemia or certain chromosomal abnormalities. Coping strategies for ALL patients include seeking support from healthcare teams, utilizing resources from organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and considering complementary treatments to manage stress and improve quality of life. What is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)? Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a form of cancer. Each part of its name tells you something about the cancer itself: Acute. The cancer is often fast-growing and requires early detection and treatment. Without treatment, bone marrow cells can't properly mature, and a person won't have enough healthy, mature bone marrow. Bone marrow is replaced by rapidly growing abnormal lymphocytes. Lymphocytic. The cancer affects the lymphocytes of a person's white blood cells (WBCs). Another term that may be used is lymphoblastic. Leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. Several types of ALL exist. The survival rates for ALL depend on what type a person has. ALL is the most common childhood cancer, but it has high cure rates in children. Although survival rates aren't as high when it develops in adults, they're steadily improving. What are the survival rates for ALL? The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates 5,960 people will receive a diagnosis of ALL in the United States in 2018. About 1,470 people will die from the disease in 2018. Several factors can determine survival rates, such as age at diagnosis and subtype of ALL. The five-year survival rate in the United States is 68.1 percent, reports the NCI. However, these numbers are steadily improving. From 1975 to 1976, the five-year survival rate for all ages was under 40 percent. Although most people who receive a diagnosis of ALL are children, the highest percentage of Americans with ALL who pass away are between the ages of 65 and 74. In general, about 40 percent of adults with ALL are considered cured at some point during their treatment, estimates American Cancer Society. However, these cure rates depend on a variety of factors, such as the subtype of ALL and age at diagnosis. A person is 'cured' of ALL if they're in complete remission for five years or more. But because there's a chance of the cancer coming back, doctors can't say with 100 percent certainty that a person is cured. The most they can say is whether or not there are signs of cancer at the time. In children According to the NCI, the five-year survival rate for American children with ALL is around 85 percent. This means that 85 percent of Americans with childhood ALL live at least five years after they receive a diagnosis with cancer. Survival rates for ALL, especially for children, continue to improve over time as new treatments are developed. Doctors may consider many of these children to be cured of their cancer if they've been in complete remission for more than five years. Remission means that there are reduced signs and symptoms of the cancer. Remission can be partial or complete. In complete remission, you have no signs and symptoms of the cancer. ALL can return following remission, but treatment can begin again. The NCI states that among American children with ALL, an estimated 98 percent achieve remission. Remission means a child doesn't have any signs or symptoms of the condition and blood cell counts are within normal limits. What factors influence survival rate? A number of factors can affect a person's survival rate following an ALL diagnosis, such as a person's age or WBC count at time of diagnosis. Doctors consider each of these factors when providing a person's outlook. However, it's important to remember that this outlook is the doctor's estimation of survival given the diagnostic information they currently have. What effect does age have on survival rate? According to the NCI, some studies have found that people have a better chance of survival if they're 35 years old or under. In general, older adults with ALL will typically have a poorer outlook than younger people. Children are considered higher risk if they're over age 10. What effect does ALL type have on survival rate? People with cell subtypes, including pre-B, common, or early pre-B, are generally considered to have better survival chances than those with mature B-cell (Burkitt) leukemia. Chromosomal abnormalities Many different types of ALL exist. The cancers that cause ALL can create different changes to a person's chromosomes. A doctor called a pathologist will examine the cancerous cells under a microscope. Several different types of chromosomal abnormalities are associated with a poorer outlook. These include: Ph1-positive t(9;22) abnormalities BCR/ABL-rearranged leukemia t(4;11) deletion of chromosome 7 trisomy 8 If your doctor makes an ALL diagnosis, they'll tell you what type of leukemia cells you have. What effect does treatment response have on survival rate? People who respond quickly to treatments for ALL may have a better outlook. When it takes longer to reach remission, the outlook is often not as good. If a person's treatment takes longer than four weeks to go into remission, this can affect their outlook. What effect does the spread of ALL have on survival rate? ALL can spread to the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the body. The greater the spread to nearby organs, including CSF, the poorer the outlook. What effect does WBC count have on survival rate? Those with a very high WBC count at diagnosis (usually higher than 50,000 to 100,000) have a poorer outlook. How can a person cope and seek support? Hearing a doctor tell you that you have cancer is never easy. However, many types of ALL are highly treatable. While you undergo treatments, there are many avenues of support available to help you through this journey. Some of the methods you can use are listed below: Research the disease Learning more from respected, well-researched organizations can help you become as informed as possible about your condition and care. Examples of excellent resources include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society American Cancer Society Reach out to your healthcare team Cancer treatment often involves a team approach to your care. Many cancer facilities have cancer navigators who can put you in touch with resources and support. Many health professionals can support you or a loved one. They include: psychiatrists social workers dietitians child life specialists case managers chaplains Consider complementary treatments Treatments that promote relaxation and stress relief can complement your medical treatments. Examples could include massage or acupuncture. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any complementary treatments such as herbs, vitamins, or special diets. Create a share point for friends and loved ones You'll likely encounter many people who would like to help or receive updates on how you're doing throughout your treatments. If you're open to sharing these updates, consider webpages such as Caring Bridge. For friends who want to help, there are resources such as Meal Train. It allows friends to sign up for meal deliveries. It's important to remember there are many friends, family members, and organizations who wish to help you in your treatment and recovery from ALL.
