what are some of the causes of leukemia?

Risk Factors/ causes

Numerous risk factors may be responsible for DNA damage within the blood cells. The risk factors believed to have the strongest associations with leukemia include the following:

Age - Roughly 60–70% of leukemias occur in people who are older than 50.

Radiation–The risk of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is increased among people who have been exposed to high doses of radiation (for example, atomic bomb survivors in Japan, people who lived near the nuclear reactor accident in Chernobyl, and armed forces who participated in American nuclear detonations during the late 1950s). It is important to note, however, that standard diagnostic x-rays pose little or no increase in leukemia risk.

Chemicals–The risk for acute leukemia is increased 20-fold among workers with long-term exposure to benzene. Risk also is increased among workers exposed to some other solvents, herbicides, and pesticides. Agricultural chemicals, in particular, have been linked with an increased risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, some reports suggest that leukemia risk may be increased in workers exposed to dioxin, styrenes, butadienes, or ethylene oxides.

Viruses–The human T-cell leukemia virus I (HTLV-I) is related to acute T-cell leukemia. This type of leukemia is well documented in parts of the Caribbean and Asia, but it is uncommon in the United States and Europe. Higher rates of leukemias also have been reported in workers who are exposed to animal viruses (e.g., butchers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinary practitioners).

Genetics–Leukemia risk is increased 15-fold among children with Down's syndrome, which is a genetically linked chromosomal abnormality (usually an extra copy of chromosome 21). Three rare inherited disorders—Fanconi's anemia, Bloom's syndrome, and ataxia telangiectasia—also have an increased risk for leukemia.

In addition, leukemia varies among racial and ethnic groups with different genetic make-ups. For example, rates of lymphoma and leukemia (e.g., chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CLL) are especially high in some Jewish populations, whereas Asian populations rarely develop CLL. First-degree relatives (e.g., parents, children, siblings) of CLL patients have a 2- to 4-fold increased risk for this cancer.

Recent studies have shown that, in some types of leukemia (e.g., AML), genetics also may play a role in the risk for recurrence of the disease.

Cigarette smoking–Cigarette smoking is a known lifestyle-related risk factor for leukemia. Potential leukemia-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke include benzene, polonium-210, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) are absorbed by the lungs and are spread via the bloodstream. It is estimated that one in four cases of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is the result of cigarette smoking.

Hope this helps

xx

The person above me pretty much has it. Just thought I would add a personal note.

I believe mine was primarily caused from cig smoke and chemicals. All my family has smoked around me my entire life, and then naturally I started smoking when I was like 13. All the ick in cigs is def a cause for leukemia (I have quit smoking since)

Also, I grew up in Chemical Valley WV. Its a huge area that encompasses about 60 miles via interstate, and a huge radius around, with 3 'major' cities (its a rural area, so that cities really arent that big, but they are the major cities for the area - asland,ky huntington wv, and charleston wv. southpoint oh is so close that it is also considered part of this area). There are several chemical and energy plants there that polute the air and ground water.

I have other risk factors like genetics as well, but I think those were the two biggest for me.