Leukaemia
Leukaemia occurs in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Abnormal white blood cells multiply rapidly and spill into the blood stream, crowding out healthy cells. There are many forms of leukaemia and these are generally classified broadly as chronic (develops slowly) or acute (develops quickly).

The most common forms of leukaemia are chronic and acute forms of lymphocytic leukaemia and myeloid leukaemia.
Over the last 20 years, the incidence rate of leukaemia in the Australian population has remained stable, with the mortality rate declining slightly.
In 2005, leukaemia was responsible for 1414 deaths in Australia, accounting for 3.6% of all cancer deaths. Leukaemia caused 800 male deaths and 614 female deaths.