Leukemia Causes and Risk Factors

You can't change age or genetics, but you can stay informed and make healthier choices. Learn how causes and risk factors vary by each type of leukemia.

Leukemia; myeloid, 250X at 35mm. This type of leukemia has its origin in the bone marrow (myeloid tissue). It involves a malignant proliferation of immature white blood cells. This action can crowd out production of RBC s and platelets leading to an

Leukemia: Causes and Risk Factors

By Karen Raymaakers

Red blood cells

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Bags of O positive blood

Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

RAEB Is Refractory Anemia with Excess Blasts

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Chromosome Translocations as a Cause of Blood Cancer

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Illustration of the Philadelphia chromosome karotype

Overview of the Philadelphia Chromosome

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Bone marrow. Light micrograph of a section through bone marrow.

The Link Between Bone Marrow and Cancer

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD