Childhood leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells and begins in the bone marrow of the child. White blood cells help the body fight infection. In childhood leukemia, however, the bone marrow begins producing abnormal white blood cells which eventually outnumber healthy blood cells. According to MayoClinic.com, leukemia occurs due to mutations or changes in the DNA of a bone marrow cell. While the causes of childhood leukemia are not well understood, the American Cancer Society cites several risk factors.
Inherited Genetic Syndromes
According to the American Cancer Society, inherited genetic syndromes are risk factors of childhood leukemia. It goes onto say that these genetic risk factors are part of the DNA of the child and they are inherited from the parents. These inherited syndromes include Li-Fraumeni syndrome which increases the risk of several cancers in the child. Children with Down syndrome have a third copy of the chromosome 21, which causes mental retardation and a different facial appearance. Klinefelter syndrome is another condition in which males get an extra X chromosome causing infertility and other problems. There are certain inherited immune system diseases that also increase the risk of leukemia in a child. Children inheriting such immune system problems are at an increased risk of getting severe infections and they are also more likely to get leukemia.
Exposure to Radiation and Harmful Chemicals
According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals increases the risk of childhood leukemia. Radiation from atomic bombs or nuclear reactor accidents increases the risk of developing childhood leukemia. Fetal exposure to radiation within the first few months of development also increases the risk of leukemia as do chemicals such as benzene. Children who have been administered chemotherapy drugs for a previous cancer may also develop leukemia within five to 10 years of getting the treatment.
Family History
According to the American Cancer Society, family history of leukemia may increase the chances of a child getting this cancer. If a child has a brother or sister with leukemia, the child is more likely to get the cancer. The risk increases if the brother or sister is an identical twin. The chances are even higher if the leukemia developed in the first year of life.
