How is leukemia caused?
Disease description:
I went for a blood test last week and overheard a patient nearby mention that he had developed leukemia. I would like to ask the doctor, what causes leukemia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Main causes of leukemia:
1. Genetics: Individuals with chromosomal abnormalities have a higher incidence of leukemia compared to the general population. Those with a family history of leukemia also have an increased risk of developing the disease. This genetic influence is not a direct inheritance but rather a hereditary susceptibility.
2. Environment: Long-term exposure to heavily polluted environments can weaken the body's immunity and increase the risk of developing leukemia. Additionally, prolonged contact with chemical products such as paints, rubber, hair dyes, and excessive inhalation of substances like formaldehyde and benzene, may also contribute to the development of leukemia.
3. Physical/Chemical factors: Exposure to certain chemical substances can also induce genetic mutations and increase the risk of leukemia. Viral infections, such as human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1), are also associated with the disease.
The exact cause of leukemia is not yet fully understood. The above factors merely increase the likelihood of developing leukemia and not everyone exposed to these factors will develop the disease.
