Prevention is better then cures, says the wise since time immemorial; however is it possible to prevent Leukemia at its onset is a question to be pondered with some seriousness. This deadly cancer of blood cells is a stealthy killer that gives seemingly harmless signals initially but with time spins out of control creating ravages of destruction. The ferocity of the disease is high and time is never a premium when it strikes. Prognosis at an early stage can be helpful at times and early treatment including chemotherapy and radiation therapy can stall the advance for some time. Mortality rate is alarmingly high and US alone has more then 187000 people suffering from Leukemia.

Is Prevention Achievable?

Prevention of Leukemia is impossible according to some highly credible medical practitioners and risk factor of Leukemia is still not completely understood. Risk factor is a clear indicator as to how disease prone a person could be and this is determinable for other diseases, but for Leukemia location of risk factor is still an area unexplored. Leukemia may be avoided to some extent by lifestyle modification and awareness.

Safety Measures help

Since exposure to radiation for long time is an identifiable factor which may promote Leukemia, use of protective gear should be a mandate for people working in plants and factories as a mean of prevention for Leukemia. Chemical Benzene, a sweet smelling and water like hydrocarbon is a human carcinogen capable of turning blood cells malignant. Extreme caution need to be exercised by workers of petroleum refinery, plastic sheet factory and chemical plants to minimize the contact with Benzene as much as possible. Factories should comply with industrial laws and regulation with a mindset of not to compromise with safety. Permissible amount of contact should be as low as possible and use of respirator is highly recommendable. Environmentalists should be aware of the fact that accidental Benzene spill in the atmosphere needs to be attended to immediately, and sudden forest fire or volcanic fumes may raise the level of Benzene in the atmosphere to a dangerous degree. Tobacco is another curse for the modern world and it slowly degenerate mankind with its spiteful affects that almost always leads to pathetic aftermath. Tobacco has Benzene, Nicotine and a host of other compounds which are highly antagonistic to the human body. Regular consumption could lead to cancer of tissue, bone or blood. Abstaining from tobacco is a very appreciable step to wellness and good health.

Are human prone alone?

Leukemia prevention is not impossible and all that is needed is awareness and a willingness to attain good health. People once exposed to radiation also stand a high chance for landing up with Leukemia. Both human and pets like cats and dogs are equally vulnerable to this disease and hence people with pets need to look out for any abnormal behavior in their pets. Who knows may be the howling, hyper aggressive cat next door is heading towards Leukemia and therefore feline Leukemia prevention effort should go hand in hand to make the picture complete.