Leukemia

Researchers do not yet fully understand what causes leukemia. But they have identified biological, genetic, and environmental patterns that make some people more likely to develop it than others. Understanding those patterns can keep you informed and proactive about your health. 

Leukemia can develop in anyone. It does not require a family history, and having risk factors does not mean you will ever receive a diagnosis. What risk factors do mean is that regular monitoring and open conversations with your physician become more important. 

Who is at Higher Risk for Leukemia 

Different types of leukemia carry different risk profiles, and what increases your risk for one type may not be relevant to another. Your physician can help you understand which risk factors are most meaningful for your specific situation. 

Age and leukemia risk 

Age is a significant risk factor for leukemia, but not in a simple way. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and young adults. Chronic leukemias, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), are far more common in older adults. 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults and becomes more prevalent with age. 

Prior cancer treatment 

Patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy for another type of cancer have a higher risk of developing leukemia later in life. This is a recognized and monitored complication of cancer treatment, and physicians who know this part of your history will include it in their evaluation.  

Family history and genetic conditions 

A family history of leukemia may increase your risk. Certain inherited genetic conditions also carry elevated leukemia risk. Down syndrome is the most well-known example and is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing ALL or AML in childhood. 

Environmental exposures 

Long-term exposure to high levels of radiation or certain industrial chemicals, including benzene, has been associated with increased leukemia risk. If your work or environment has involved these exposures, tell your physician. 

How To Use This Information 

Most leukemia risk factors are not things you can change. But awareness of your risk profile is still useful, because it informs how proactively you and your physician approach monitoring, bloodwork, and evaluation of symptoms. 

If you have multiple risk factors, or if you have symptoms that have not been explained, talk to your doctor and ask specifically about your CBC results. An abnormal white blood cell count is often the first measurable signal, and catching it early is the most important thing you can do for better treatment outcomes. 

Siteman Cancer Center Leads in Research on Early Detection and Prevention 

Among the most important work happening at Siteman right now is research focused on what occurs before a leukemia diagnosis. Identifying patients at high risk before the cancer develops gives physicians a chance to intervene earlier in the cancers’ development.  

Kelly Bolton, MD, PhD, a researcher at Siteman, focuses on the genetic factors that put an individual at elevated risk for blood cancer. Her work has led to earlier detection and prevention strategies, which gives physicians working with patients the ability to identify changes and act earlier.  

This kind of research is only possible at an institution like Siteman, where physician-researchers work at the intersection of patient care and laboratory discovery every day. 

When to Reach Out to a Specialist 

You do not need a diagnosis to contact Siteman. If you have received abnormal bloodwork, if your symptoms have not been explained, or if you have risk factors that concern you, our team is here to help you understand what the next step should be. 

Talk to a care coordinator. We will help you find the right starting point.