What Causes Leukemia?

Scientists have found that in some cases genetics and/or factors in the environment cause leukemia. Recently, researchers have made great progress in understanding how genes can cause leukemia. For example, you are at increased risk for getting chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) if a parent or sibling has it. Changes in genes that occur after birth can cause chronic myelogenous leukemia. Children who have certain genetic problems, such as Down Syndrome, have an increased risk of getting leukemia.

Exposure to some things in the environment can also increase your risk for developing leukemia. Some of these include:

• High levels of radiation, including radiation therapy for cancer
• Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
• Chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde
• Smoking

In the Encyclopedia: