Leukemia Screening/Early Detection

Chronic leukemia is often found by routine blood count checks.

No standard screening process exists for detecting early stage leukemia. Doctors often detect chronic leukemia during routine blood count checks or screening tests, such as those conducted when a person seeks employment, joins the military, is pregnant, or is about to undergo an operation.

The best way to find leukemia early is to tell the doctor of any lasting symptoms, such as chronic infections, bleeding or bruising problems, or a history of too high or too low blood cell counts, particularly if these symptoms do not go away in a few days. Close follow-up exams are important for people with known risks, such as cancer survivors who have been treated with certain cancer-killing drugs.