What Are the Causes And Risk Factors Of Leukaemia?

Cancer of the blood, also known as leukaemia, is a type of cancer that attacks the body's white blood cells. These white blood cells are in charge of assisting our body's immune system in fighting infections and diseases. Before we get into the causes and risk factors, let's take a look at why blood cancer is so dangerous.

Why is Leukaemia Dangerous?

​Several factors contribute to the dangers of blood cancer, including:

1. Uncontrolled Cell Growth

Blood cancer develops when the human body's blood cells grow uncontrollably and start attacking other tissues and organs in the body.

2. Difficult-to-Detect Symptoms

Blood cancer symptoms are frequently difficult to detect in the early stages. This is why blood cancer is frequently discovered at an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.

Symptoms of blood cancer include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, prolonged fever and drastic weight loss.

3. The Impact on Bone Marrow

Blood cancer affects the bone marrow, which is where the body's blood cells are produced. As a result, the bone marrow is unable to produce the blood cells required to aid in blood clotting, maintain immune system strength and transport oxygen throughout the body.

4. Difficult Treatment

Blood cancer treatment is typically difficult and requires a combination of therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and cell transplantation. This treatment may cause fatigue, hair loss and vomiting.

There is also a high risk of treatment failure, which makes blood cancer more dangerous.

Causes & Risk Factors of Leukaemia

​Blood cancer or leukaemia can occur due to several risk factors. Here are some risk factors to consider:

1. Smoking

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for leukaemia. Most leukaemia patients are heavy smokers.

The toxic content in cigarettes can damage white cells and cause DNA mutations that can lead to cancer.

2. Exposure to Chemicals

Exposure to chemicals such as benzene, toluene and formaldehyde can also cause leukaemia. These substances can be found in some industries such as chemical manufacturing and painting.

3. Radiation Exposure

Exposure to ion radiation and X-rays is among the causes that can increase the risk of leukaemia. There are several sources of radiation, including radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.

In addition, nuclear sector workers are also at risk of getting this cancer. Nuclear sector workers are individuals who are exposed to radiation sources such as radon, X-rays and cosmic rays for long periods of time.

4. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is usually used to kill cancer cells and involves taking medication to kill cancer cells. 

This treatment may have side effects such as weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite. Health experts can help patients avoid or reduce risks of getting leukaemia.

5. Genetics

Genetic factors can play a role in the development of leukaemia. Some types of leukaemia, such as acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphocytic leukaemia, are linked to genetic mutations that cause the cancer.

These mutations can occur naturally or as a result of external factors such as exposure to radiation.

6. Congenital Diseases

Some congenital diseases such as Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and Klinefelter syndrome can increase a person's risk of developing blood cancer.

Patients with these congenital diseases should monitor their health and receive appropriate treatment.

7. Family History

A family history of blood cancer can increase a person's risk of developing the disease. If there is a family history of blood cancer, the individual should see a doctor for early blood cancer screening.

8. Other Blood Diseases (Myelodysplastic Syndrome or MDS)

There are also blood diseases associated with leukaemia, such as myelodysplastic syndrome. Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of chronic blood diseases in which blood cells do not fully mature.

Individuals with this syndrome are more likely to develop blood cancer in the long run.

 9.  Age

While children are more likely to develop leukaemia than adults, the risk of developing leukaemia increases with age

Leukaemia can be a more difficult disease to treat and has a worse prognosis in older people.

10.  Gender

Some types of leukaemia are more common in males or females. Acute lymphocytic leukaemia, for example, is more common in young boys. Chronic myeloid leukaemia is more common in men than women. 

However, the overall risk of developing leukaemia is nearly the same for both males and females.

Are Children More Likely to Develop Leukaemia?

Although leukaemia can occur at any age, children are more likely than adults to develop leukaemia. According to statistics, leukaemia is the most common cancer among children under the age of 15.

However, leukaemia risk is also influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Children who are exposed to radiation or certain chemicals are at an increased risk of developing leukaemia.

Reducing Your Risk of Leukaemia 

There are several ways to reduce your risk of developing leukaemia, including:

• Practise Healthy Lifestyle 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and not smoking can help reduce your risk of developing leukaemia.

• Avoid Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals such as paints and chemical solvents as well as UV radiation. This can help reduce your risk of developing leukaemia.

Ensure adequate protection such as wearing appropriate clothing, applying sunscreen, and wearing a face mask when necessary.

• Undergo Regular Screenings

Regular health screenings can help detect blood cancer at an early stage and ensure more effective treatment. Recommended screenings include blood tests, immunology tests, and CT scans.

• Recover Quickly from Illnesses

Take steps to recover quickly if you have infections or illnesses that affect your immune system. When your immune system is compromised, you are more likely to develop leukaemia.

• Maintain Your Mental Health

Mental health is important in reducing the risk of developing leukaemia. Constant stress can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the immune system's function.

You can take steps such as meditation, yoga, and talking to someone you trust to reduce stress.

Stay Healthy and Prevent Cancer!

Our health is essential to increase lifespan. Our body is fragile and needs to be well taken care of. Cancer is a harmful disease, and by taking appropriate prevention measures, you can reduce the risk of developing blood cancer. Stay healthy and prevent cancer today!

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