Leukemia

Some things can increase your chances of getting leukemia. These things are called risk factors. But many people who get leukemia don't have any of these risk factors. And some people who have risk factors don't get this cancer. Risk factors include:

• Smoking or using other tobacco products. This risk factor is linked to some cases of Reference acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) Opens New Window.^{Reference 2}
• Reference Exposure to high levels of radiation.
• Exposure to chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Sometimes people are exposed to these chemicals where they work.
• Chemotherapy or radiation used to treat a previous cancer.
• Conditions caused by abnormal Reference chromosomes Opens New Window, such as Reference Down syndrome Opens New Window.
• Infection with a type of Reference HIV Opens New Window known as HTLV-1.
• Other blood diseases, such as Reference myelodysplastic syndromes Opens New Window.
• Your family history. In some cases, Reference chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Opens New Window runs in families.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.