Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can affect anyone, however, certain risk factors may contribute to the development of AML. The precise way in which AML develops is not fully understood. It is generally accepted that genetic changes in healthy cells lead to the growth of abnormal cells in a process called leukemogenesis. These mutations can be hereditary (germline) or acquired during your lifetime (somatic), often due to external factors or aging.
The most common risk factor for AML is other hematological disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), or aplastic anemia. These disorders may progress to AML in certain cases. This type of AML is referred to as secondary AML and accounts for roughly 19% of all cases. Additionally, genetic disorders such as Fanconi anemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Down syndrome are associated with an increased risk of developing AML.
AML is slightly more common in males than females and generally affects older patients. The median age at diagnosis is around 68 years.
Previous treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy can increase the risk of developing AML. This is referred to as therapy-related AML, a type of secondary AML that accounts for around 8% of all cases. This type of AML is particularly associated with prior treatment with:
Current and previous smokers have a higher likelihood of developing AML when compared with non-smokers. A high body mass index is also associated with a higher chance of developing AML. Exposure to certain chemicals and/or occupational hazards are known or suspected risk factors for AML, including exposure to:
Certain occupations may also be associated with AML due to exposure to occupational hazards, for example, firefighters may have an increased risk of AML from exposure to carcinogens. A study analyzing data from the California Cancer Registry identified several industries and occupations that may also have an increased risk of developing AML, such as:
Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems, but whether it can cause cancer is unclear. However, for patients with cancer, chronic stress may cause the cancer to get worse. Stress management techniques can help to reduce stress in patients with AML, and improve quality of life.
To learn more about AML, its diagnosis, and treatment, visit HealthTree University for AML:
Sources:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can affect anyone, however, certain risk factors may contribute to the development of AML. The precise way in which AML develops is not fully understood. It is generally accepted that genetic changes in healthy cells lead to the growth of abnormal cells in a process called leukemogenesis. These mutations can be hereditary (germline) or acquired during your lifetime (somatic), often due to external factors or aging.
The most common risk factor for AML is other hematological disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), or aplastic anemia. These disorders may progress to AML in certain cases. This type of AML is referred to as secondary AML and accounts for roughly 19% of all cases. Additionally, genetic disorders such as Fanconi anemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Down syndrome are associated with an increased risk of developing AML.
AML is slightly more common in males than females and generally affects older patients. The median age at diagnosis is around 68 years.
Previous treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy can increase the risk of developing AML. This is referred to as therapy-related AML, a type of secondary AML that accounts for around 8% of all cases. This type of AML is particularly associated with prior treatment with:
Current and previous smokers have a higher likelihood of developing AML when compared with non-smokers. A high body mass index is also associated with a higher chance of developing AML. Exposure to certain chemicals and/or occupational hazards are known or suspected risk factors for AML, including exposure to:
Certain occupations may also be associated with AML due to exposure to occupational hazards, for example, firefighters may have an increased risk of AML from exposure to carcinogens. A study analyzing data from the California Cancer Registry identified several industries and occupations that may also have an increased risk of developing AML, such as:
Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems, but whether it can cause cancer is unclear. However, for patients with cancer, chronic stress may cause the cancer to get worse. Stress management techniques can help to reduce stress in patients with AML, and improve quality of life.
To learn more about AML, its diagnosis, and treatment, visit HealthTree University for AML:
Sources:
about the author
Dylan Barrett
Dylan is a freelance medical writer based in Cork, Ireland. He previously worked in independent medical education while living in London and is now collaborating with HealthTree to develop resources for blood cancer patients. His background is in genetics, and he has a passion for innovative scientific research. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
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