According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 41,000 adults and 3,500 children contract leukemia each year (See References 1). This disease develops when bone marrow cells mutate, grow and divide into more mutated cells. Eventually, these irregular blood cells crowd out normal, healthy cells. The exact cause for these mutations, however, is unknown. Several risk factors have been identified that may increase the risk of leukemia.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
The UC Davis Cancer Center explains that certain cancer treatments are designed to kill cells by changing their lifecycle and encouraging self destruction. However, some of these cells may start their programmed death but then survive and live on in a mutated state containing a leukemia-inducing gene. These cells then grow and divide to form leukemia (See References 2).
Genetics
Family history and certain genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome have been linked to leukemia (See References 3).
Blood Disorders
According to the Mayo Clinic, "People who have been diagnosed with certain blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes, may have an increased risk of leukemia." (See References 4)
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trichloroethylene, which can be found in cigarette smoke, oils, plastics and cleaning materials, may increase the chances of developing leukemia.
