Details of Acute Myeloid Leukemia from which Bob Collymore died from

Piece by: Peninah Njoki
Lifestyle

The late Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore has been public about his battle with Leukemia.

Wwe take a look at acute myeloid leukemia which he was suffering from.

Leukaemia is cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow.

Bob had in a past interview revealed that he was suffering from Acute Myeloid leukaemia. Speaking during an interview with Jeff Koinange.

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER. THE DOCTORS TOLD ME AT THE TIME THAT I HAD PROBABLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS…

 I WENT TO LONDON AND THEY TOLD ME I HAD ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA- A RARE KIND OF BLOOD CANCER THAT IS CURABLE.

Below are some signs and symptoms that are common in a Leukemia patient.

  • Fever or chills.
  • Persistent fatigue, weakness.
  • Frequent or severe infections.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.
  • Easy bleeding or bruising.
  • Recurrent nosebleeds.
  • Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)

Treatment options will depend on the type of leukemia and the person's age and overall state of health.

Causes and risk factors

The exact causes of the genetic mutation that turns bone marrow cells into leukemia cells is unknown.

However, the main known causes of acute leukemia are exposure to high levels of radiation, benzene, or both.

Types of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for AML. Radiation therapy is used less commonly.

Bone marrow transplantation may be used.