Leukemia Causes and Risk Factors

Page Contents

The exact cause of leukemia is not known. But studies show that certain factors are linked to increased risk. Some of these risk factors are things you can’t change, such as getting older or having a family history of leukemia or blood disorders. Other factors relate to your lifestyle, so you may be able to change them. For example, using tobacco — especially smoking cigarettes — raises leukemia risk.

Avoiding known cancer-causing chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde, might lower the risk of getting leukemia. But overall, exposure to workplace and environmental chemicals seems to account for only a small portion of leukemias.

Take Charge of Your Health

Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions or concerns about your risk factors for leukemia or if you think you have symptoms. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.

Genetic and Biological Risk Factors for Leukemia

Leukemia can be diagnosed at any age, but the risk increases as a person gets older. Other risk factors that cannot be changed include:

  • Having a family history of blood cancers or blood disorders
  • Having certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome

Lifestyle and Environmental Risk Factors for Leukemia

For most people with leukemia, there are no obvious reasons why they developed the disease. Some factors that may increase risk include:

  • Being exposed to certain viruses, chemotherapy or radiation
  • Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as cigarette smoke, herbicides or pesticides

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get leukemia. Many people with risk factors never develop leukemia, while others with no known risk factors do.

Leukemia Causes and Risk Factors FAQ

Genetic testing may show if you have certain gene changes (mutations) that can be passed down in families that increase the risk of leukemia. Tests usually involve taking a small sample of blood.

If you have a family history of leukemia, ask your health care team if it’s a good idea to get tested. Your team will take into account your personal health history and your family health history before making a recommendation. If tests are recommended, you may want to speak with a genetic counselor first. They can help explain what the tests do or don’t show and what the results might mean for you.

The Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counseling Service at Fred Hutch assesses cancer risk for people who are at high risk because of their personal or family history.

Using tobacco, especially smoking cigarettes, is a risk factor for leukemia. If you use tobacco and would like to stop, talk with your primary care provider about support options to help you quit.