Leukemia is a form of blood cancer that is caused due to an increase in white blood cells in your body. These white blood cells grow at an abnormal rate and may slow down or completely stop the growth and development of red blood cells. Eventually, healthy white blood cells get replaced entirely by cancerous ones, weakening the body and making it more susceptible to other diseases.

Let us look at some of the risk factors and prevention tips for leukemia.

Risk factors of leukemia

• Exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation
  People who are exposed to radiation or have been exposed to cancer-causing radiation due to environmental situations have a higher risk of developing leukemia than others. Long term exposure or consumption of certain chemicals that contain cancer-causing elements are also a major risk factor that causes the condition.

• Rare genetic syndromes
  Patients who suffer from conditions such as Down syndrome, Bloom syndrome, or Fanconi anemia have been seen to be more prone to develop leukemia than others.

• Family history
  People who have had blood relatives suffering from this type of cancer are at more risk of developing leukemia.

• Previous radiation therapy
  Cancer patients who have gone through radiation treatment in the past are at a higher risk of developing leukemia. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy often causes cells in the body to mutate, causing the DNA to change.

• Smoking
  Research shows that smokers are at a higher risk of developing leukemia than non-smokers. Smoking causes various carcinogenic substances to enter the body. Research also states that about 20% of all leukemia cases are directly linked to smoking.

• Myelodysplastic syndromes
  This is a condition where the bone marrow of a person fails to function. Over one–third of leukemia cases are caused due to a history of myelodysplastic syndromes.

Prevention tips for leukemia

• Maintaining body weight
  It is seen that people who are obese have a higher chance of developing leukemia than those who are in their right body weight. It is important to eat healthily and regular exercise to maintain a lower body–weight to prevent any risks of developing the condition.

• Avoid exposure to certain chemicals
  After getting to understand the various risk factors and prevention tips for leukemia, it is important to ensure that you decrease or stop any long-term exposure to elements such as benzene and formaldehyde and similar such cancer-causing agents.

To date, there is no prevention technique that has given 100% results. However, having knowledge of any family member suffering from leukemia, or limiting your exposure to radiation, among other tips, can be counted as precautionary measures and treatment to stall or stop the progress of leukemia. You should book an appointment with the doctor, immediately, if you notice any symptoms of the condition.