Causes of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

No one knows the exact causes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); however, doctors have identified certain risk factors for developing this form of leukemia. While not causes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, these risk factors increase a person's chances of developing the disease. These risk factors include having a family history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or cancer of the lymph system; being middle-aged or older, male, or Caucasian; and having relatives who are Russian Jews or Eastern European Jews.

CLL

Causes of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: An Introduction

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the second most common type of leukemia in adults, accounting for about 7,000 new cases of leukemia each year. In most cases, chronic lymphocytic leukemia occurs during or after middle age; CLL rarely occurs in children. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia usually progresses slowly.

(Click Types of Leukemia to learn about other types of leukemia.)

Specific Causes of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

No one knows the exact causes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Doctors can seldom explain why one person will get chronic lymphocytic leukemia and another person will not. However, leukemia research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chances of developing a disease.

Causes of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Know the Risk Factors

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia risk factors include:

Being middle-aged or older, male, or Caucasian
A family history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or cancer of the lymph system
Having relatives who are Russian Jews or Eastern European Jews.

(Causes of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Continued: Page 2)