Leukemia Risk Factors (Cont.)

Leukemia Risk Factors: Working With Certain Chemicals

People who work with chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde may be at a greater risk of developing leukemia. Both benzene and formaldehyde are used by the chemical industry.
 

Leukemia Risk Factors: Receiving Chemotherapy

People with cancer who are treated with certain cancer-fighting drugs will sometimes later develop leukemia. For example, drugs known as alkylating agents are associated with the development of leukemia.
 

Leukemia Risk Factors: Down Syndrome and Certain Other Genetic Diseases

Some diseases caused by abnormal chromosomes may increase the risk of leukemia.
 

Leukemia Risk Factors: Human T-cell Leukemia Virus-I (HTLV-I)

The HTLV-I virus causes a rare type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia known as human T-cell leukemia. However, leukemia does not appear to be contagious.
 

Leukemia Risk Factors: Myelodysplastic Syndrome

People with myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a blood disease, are at an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia.
 

Leukemia Risk Factors: Final Thoughts

People who think that they may be at risk of leukemia should discuss this concern with their doctor. Doctors can suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD