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FA AND CANCER
Relationship to Cancer
People with Fanconi Anaemia often develop leukaemia and other Cancers. In fact, Fanconi Anaemia patients have a much greater risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) than people without Fanconi Anaemia.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a malignancy of the blood system in which the bone marrow produces vast quantities of immature white cells called "blasts." The blasts can proliferate rapidly and suppress the development of healthy blood cells needed for effective functioning of the patient's body. If untreated, leukaemia results in uncontrollable infections and bleeding, and death. The type of leukaemia that FA patients are likely to develop, AML, is a particularly aggressive type, usually found in older people. AML is difficult to treat successfully, especially in FA patients, who are very sensitive to the toxic drugs used to suppress the leukaemia.
Other Cancers
Fanconi Anaemia patients have an extremely high risk of developing squamous cell cancers in areas of the body in which cells normally reproduce rapidly, such as the oral cavity, aesophagus, the gastrointestinal tract, the anus and vulva. FA patients may develop these Cancers at a much earlier age than people without Fanconi Anaemia. Patients who have had a successful bone marrow transplant and, thus, are cured of the blood problems associated with FA, still must have regular examinations to watch for signs of Cancer.
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Fanconi Anaemia FAmily Support