Leukemia Statistics

In the case of leukemia, statistics can help provide a better understanding of the disease and its impact. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 35,070 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia in 2006. Based on leukemia statistics from 2000-2002, 1.27 percent of men and women (or 1 in 79 men and women) born today will be diagnosed with leukemia at some time during their lifetime.

 

Leukemia Statistics: 2006 Estimates

The American Cancer Society estimated that 35,070 men and women (20,000 men and 15,070 women) would be diagnosed with leukemia in 2006, and 22,280 men and women would die of the disease during the year.
 

Leukemia Statistics: Age-at-Diagnosis Figures

From 1998-2002, the median age at leukemia diagnosis was 67 years of age. The percentages of people diagnosed with leukemia based on age were as follows:
 
  • 11.4 percent were diagnosed under age 20
  • 5.2 percent between 20 and 34
  • 5.9 percent between 35 and 44
  • 9.7 percent between 45 and 54
  • 13.9 percent between 55 and 64
  • 20.5 percent between 65 and 74
  • 23.2 percent between 75 and 84
  • 10.1 percent 85+ years of age.
 

Leukemia Statistics: Deaths

From 1998-2002, the median age at death for leukemia was 74 years of age. The percentages of people who died from leukemia based on age were:
 
  • 3.3 percent died under age 20
  • 3.5 percent between 20 and 34
  • 3.9 percent between 35 and 44
  • 6.7 percent between 45 and 54
  • 11.8 percent between 55 and 64
  • 23.4 percent between 65 and 74
  • 31.1 percent between 75 and 84
  • 16.4 percent 85+ years of age.
 
The age-adjusted death rate for leukemia was 7.6 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are based on patients who died in 1998-2002 in the United States. Death rates by race and sex were:
 
Race/Ethnicity
Men
Women
All Races
10.2 per 100,000 men
5.8 per 100,000 women
Caucasian
10.4 per 100,000 men
6.0 per 100,000 women
African American
8.9 per 100,000 men
5.4 per 100,000 women
Asian/Pacific Islander
5.3 per 100,000 men
3.2 per 100,000 women
American Indian/Alaska Native
5.1 per 100,000 men
3.0 per 100,000 women
Hispanic
6.6 per 100,000 men
4.3 per 100,000 women
 
(Leukemia Statistics Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD