Researchers do not yet know what causes acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, some facts are known about people who are more likely to get the disease.
- ALL is more common in children age 5 or younger and the risk is also higher after age 50
- ALL is more common in males than females
- ALL is more common in white people than Black people
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be acute lymphoblastic leukemia. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
ALL Known Risk Factors
There are a few known risk factors for ALL. These include:
- Being exposed to high levels of radiation
- Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as chemotherapy or benzene
- Having certain viral infections (although this is more common outside the U.S.)
- Having certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome
- Having an identical twin who develops ALL as an infant or young child
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop ALL. Many people who develop ALL do not have any of these risk factors, and most people with these risk factors do not develop the disease.