Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Risk Factors

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What Are the Risk Factors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?

Unlike some other forms of cancer, family history is not a risk factor for chronic myeloid leukemia. Doctors are still trying to understand the cause of the chromosome abnormality referred to as the Philadelphia chromosome which develops after birth. This condition may increase one’s risk of developing CML.

Other chronic myeloid leukemia risk factors are as follows:

Being male
Being middle-aged or older
Exposure to radiation

NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.

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