ALL, or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in the body. It is the most common type of cancer in children and accounts for nearly a quarter of all childhood cancers.
The exact cause of ALL in children is not known, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include family history of cancer, exposure to certain chemicals, and certain genetic mutations. In addition, ALL is more common in boys than in girls.
It is estimated that approximately 2,900 new cases of ALL are diagnosed in the United States each year. This equates to about 8 cases per 100,000 children. However, the incidence of ALL varies widely between different countries, with the highest rates seen in North America and Europe.
The prognosis for ALL in children is generally very good, with more than 80% of patients achieving long-term survival. This is due in part to advances in treatments, which include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants.
Overall, ALL is a relatively common cancer in children, particularly in developed countries. There is much progress being made in terms of treatment, which is resulting in improved outcomes for patients.