Leukemia how can you get it

However, if you are a first-degree relative of a CLL patient, or if you have an identical twin who has or had AML or ALL, you may be at an increased risk for developing the disease. Congenital syndromes : Some congenital syndromes including Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia and Blackfan-Diamond syndrome seem to raise the risk of AML. Smoking : Although smoking may not be a direct cause of leukemia, smoking cigarettes does increase the risk of developing AML.

Radiation : Exposure to high-energy radiation e. Chemicals : Long-term exposure to certain pesticides or industrial chemicals like benzene is considered a risk for leukemia. Previous cancer therapy : Certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers are considered leukemia risk factors. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Call us anytime. This page was updated on October 19, Risk factors for leukemia.

What causes leukemia? CT scans: Recent research suggests that children who undergo CT scans may have a higher risk of developing leukemia later in life, but more research is needed to confirm this. Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia.

It's also found in cigarette smoke and gasoline. Exposure to benzene in the workplace can cause acute myeloid leukemia. It may also cause chronic myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia. Chemotherapy: Cancer patients treated with certain types of cancer-fighting drugs sometimes develop acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia later on.

For example, being treated with drugs known as alkylating agents or topoisomerase inhibitors may slightly increase the risk of developing acute leukemia. Exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides: Vietnam veterans and other people who have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides are at increased risk of developing chronic B-cell leukemias. Some factors, like older age, past history of blood disorders, and chromosome mutations, can negatively affect the outlook.

According to the NCI, the number of leukemia deaths has been falling on average 1. The 5-year survival rate or percent of people surviving at least 5 years after receiving a diagnosis was 65 percent from to Work with your medical team to treat leukemia and find out your specific outlook.

Read this article in Spanish. White blood cells, or WBCs, are an important part of your immune system. They help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs. Here's what you need to know about the link between leukemia and anemia. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

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Risk factors for leukemia. Treating leukemia. Diagnosing leukemia. Long-term outlook. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.