What are the key statistics for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

The American Cancer Society's estimates for leukemia in the United States for 2013 are:

• About 48,610 new cases of leukemia and about 23, 720 deaths from leukemia (all kinds)
• About 15,680 new cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• About 4,580 deaths from CLL

CLL accounts for about one-third of all leukemias. The average person's lifetime risk of getting CLL is about 1/2 of 1% (about 1 in 200). The risk is slightly higher in men than in women. Factors such as having a family history of CLL may raise this risk.

CLL mainly affects older adults. The average age at the time of diagnosis is around 72 years. It is rarely seen in people under age 40, and is extremely rare in children.