A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. Some of these, such as age or past health, cannot be changed. Others, like some habits, can be changed.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is harmful to the whole body. The risk of many cancers is higher in people who smoke.
Quitting smoking can help lower the risk of leukemia and other cancers. The sooner smoking is stopped, the sooner the body can start to heal.
Controlling Exposures at Work and Home
Some people are exposed to harmful chemicals at work or home. One such chemical is benzene. Low levels of benzene are in products like gasoline, car exhaust, or pollution. It can also come from glue, paint, or cleaning products. These products must be used with care. This means using a mask or airing out the room while using them. It will help lower the risk of exposure.
Finding safer work may be an option. If not, protection is needed. Check with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or the Environmental Protection Agency for help.
Radiation
Certain tests, such as x-rays during doctor or dental visits, give low doses. But, radiation builds up in the body over a lifetime. Repeated doses can make the risk of leukemia higher. The doctor can address concerns about this risk.
References
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL/LBL) in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia-lymphoblastic-lymphoma-all-lbl-in-adults. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-myeloid-leukemia-aml. April 15, 2022.
Can acute lymphocytic leukemia be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Can acute myeloid leukemia (AML) be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Can chronic lymphocytic leukemia be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Can chronic myeloid leukemia be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chronic-myeloid-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-cll-small-lymphocytic-lymphoma-sll. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-myeloid-leukemia-cml. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
- Update Date: 04/15/2022