For many types of cancers, finding the cancer early makes it easier to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends screening tests for early detection of certain cancers in people without any symptoms.
But at this time there are no special tests recommended to detect acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) early. The best way to find leukemia early is to report any possible signs or symptoms of leukemia (see Signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia) to the doctor right away.
Some people are known to have a higher risk of ALL (or other leukemias) because of a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome, or because they were previously treated with certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation. Most doctors recommend that these people have careful, regular medical checkups. The risk of leukemia, although greater than in the general population, is still very low for most of these people.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: October 17, 2018
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