Leukemia Risk Factors
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Leukemia Risk Factors by Type
Leukemia is a cancer that originates in the blood cells within the bone marrow. There are four main types of leukemia:
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Each type of leukemia is characterized by the degree of maturity the cells reach (acute or chronic) and the cell type the cancer originates within (myeloid cells or lymphocytic):
Acute versus Chronic Leukemia
All leukemias originate in the bone marrow cells, but the development of the cells may differ. It is considered an acute leukemia when the cells fail to mature but still continue to reproduce and build up in the marrow. These cells are unable to function normally and may not be able to fight infections.
Acute leukemia typically progresses very quickly. Chronic leukemia cells begin to mature, but not all the way. Although these cells are not completely matured, they still have some of the capabilities of mature blood cells to prevent serious bleeding or infection.
Myeloid versus Lymphocytic Leukemia
The second distinction, the cell type, differentiates between specific kinds of white blood cells. Lymphocytic leukemias (also known as lymphoid or lymphoblastic leukemia) develop in white blood cells called lymphocytes within the bone marrow. Myeloid leukemias may also start in white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), as well as red blood cells and platelets.
General Leukemia Risk Factors
The risk factors associated with leukemia may vary by type. And some forms of leukemia, like ALL, are very rare in adults while other types, like CML and CLL are most common in adults over 55. The general risk factors for leukemia include:
- Radiation therapy - High doses of radiation, possibly from previous cancer treatments, may increase the risk of developing leukemia.
- Chemical exposure - Long-term exposure to certain pesticides or industrial chemicals, like benzene, may increase the risk of certain types of leukemia including CLL, AML and ALL.
- Family history - Most leukemias have no familial link. However, first degree relatives of CLL patients are at a greater risk of developing the disease.
- Genetic factors - Genetic mutations may cause certain developmental abnormalities in the white blood cells. Although the cause of these defects remains largely unknown, certain genetic factors 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.
Having an identical twin who has or had AML or ALL may also put you at an increased risk for developing the disease. More often, leukemia occurs without a known hereditary factor or cause.
Many people diagnosed with leukemia have none of the risk factors. A risk factor only means that there is an increased likelihood of developing a disease. Understanding risk factors can help you and your doctor better manage your overall health and well-being.
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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