Causes
The cause of AML is unknown. However, smoking after age 60 doubles the risk of this condition.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chance of developing AML:
- Sex: male
- Smoking, especially after age 60
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment
- Previous treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) , Hodgkin’s disease , non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma , and certain other cancers
- Exposure to atomic bomb radiation or nuclear reactor accident
- Exposure to the chemical benzene
- History of a blood disorder, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (precancerous changes in the white cells and precursor cells of the bone marrow)
The following risk factors are specific to childhood AML:
- Having a brother or sister with leukemia
- Race: Hispanic
- Exposure to cigarette smoke or alcohol before birth
- History of myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
- Exposure to chemicals such as benzene
- Certain genetic disorders, such as Down’s syndrome
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