Leukemia Risk Factors
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What are the Risk Factors for Leukemia?
For most types of leukemia, the risk factors and possible causes are not known. Some possible risk factors for leukemia include:
- Previous cancer treatment: Certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers.
- Exposure to high levels of radiation: Exposure to high-energy radiation (e.g., atomic bomb explosions) and intense exposure to low-energy radiation from electromagnetic fields (e.g., power lines).
- Chemical exposure: Long-term exposure to certain pesticides or industrial chemicals, like benzene.
- Genetic diseases: Certain genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, may play a role in the development of leukemia.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop CML, CLL and AML than women.
- Age: The risk of most leukemias, with the exception of ALL, typically increases with age.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing AML.
- Family history: Most leukemias have no familial link. However, first degree relatives of CLL patients, or having an identical twin who has or had AML or ALL, may put you at an increased risk for developing the disease.
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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