Causes and Risk Factors for Leukemia
Leukemia is a disease that begins in the soft, spongy part of the bone called bone marrow. Leukemia occurs in both children and adults. There are several different types of leukemia.Researchers have identified several causes and risk factors for leukemia:
Age
60% to 70% of cases of leukemia are diagnosed in patients ages 50 and over.
Smoking
Smoking is a considerable risk factor for leukemia, especially a type of leukemia called acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML. The carcinogens in cigarettes are absorbed by the lungs and then travel to the bloodstream. It is estimated that 1 in 4 cases of AML are caused by smoking.
Exposure to Atomic Bomb Radiation
An example of this type of exposure would be Cernobyl, or the bombings in Japan in World War II.
Previous Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy
Previous cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation raises the risk factor for developing leukemia later on. this can occur several years after the treatment has ended. Chemotherapy alkylating agents are associated with the development of leukemia.
Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus
The Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus is a type of virus that infects T cells (a type of white blood cell) and can cause leukemia and lymphoma. HTLV-1 is spread by sharing syringes or needles used to inject drugs, through blood transfusions, through sexual contact, and from mother to child at birth or through breast-feeding.
Myelodysplasctic Syndrome
Myelodysplasctic syndrome is a blood disease that puts people at a higher risk for developing AML.
Downs Syndrome
People with Down's Syndrome are also at a higher risk for developing leukemia.
Created 11/25/2005
References -National Cancer Institute - What You Need to Know About Leukemia
