Several factors increase the risk of acute myeloid leukemia. Some of these factors, such as smoking and carcinogen exposure, are modifiable. However, other risk factors for AML, such as genetic conditions, are non-modifiable. AML risk groups include people who smoke or have undergone cancer therapy. Acute myeloid leukemia prevention measures include quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals.
Most Common Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk Factors
Some of the common acute myeloid leukemia risk factors include:
Age
AML may occur at any age. However, individuals over 45 are at a higher risk of developing this condition. The risk of AML increases as one grows older. Studies reported that the average age of people at diagnosis was 68 years.
Smoking
Evidence suggests that there is an association between cigarette smoking and an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia. Studies also reported a higher risk among current smokers compared with former smokers. The risk of AML increases with increased frequency and duration of smoking.
Chemotherapy
Patients treated with chemotherapy drugs for other cancers, such as breast cancer or Hodgkin’s lymphoma, are at increased risk of developing AML. This is because prolonged exposure of blood cells to these agents may cause mutations, resulting in their uncontrolled growth.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is another acute myeloid leukemia risk factor. People who underwent radiation therapy as a part of a cancer treatment strategy are at higher risk of developing AML compared to those who did not undergo radiation therapy. The common AML types that may develop after radiation therapy include chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Exposure to chemical carcinogens
Chronic exposure to certain chemicals is also one of the acute myeloid leukemia risk factors. Long-term exposure to benzene significantly increases the risk of AML. This chemical is used in various industries, including the shoe industry, the rubber industry, and oil refineries.
Genetic disorders
Certain genetic disorders are also acute myeloid leukemia risk factors. Some of them include:
Down syndrome
Children with Down syndrome are at greater risk of developing acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Studies have shown that children with Down syndrome have a 150 times increased risk of developing AML.
Ataxia telangiectasia
It is a genetic disorder affecting the area of the brain controlling motor movement and speech. Patients with ataxia telangiectasia have a higher chance of developing AML.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome
The presence of Li-Fraumeni syndrome increases the risk of various types of cancer, including AML. The other cancers associated with this syndrome include adrenal cortical tumors, brain cancer, and breast cancer.
Klinefelter syndrome
People with Klinefelter syndrome have a higher risk for several types of cancer, such as acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer.
Fanconi anemia
Fanconi anemia is a condition of the bone marrow characterized by reduced production of all blood cells. Patients with this condition have an increased risk for AML.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a genetic immunodeficiency condition characterized by a compromised immune system, eczema, and a decreased ability to clot blood. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is an acute myeloid leukemia risk factor.
Bloom syndrome
Bloom syndrome is characterized by photosensitivity, telangiectatic erythema, and severe growth retardation in the postnatal period. Patients with this syndrome have an increased risk of developing various cancers, including AML.
Familial Platelet Disorder Syndrome
Patients with familial platelet disorder syndrome have abnormal platelet function, mild to moderate thrombocytopenia, and a higher risk of developing hematological malignancies, including AML.
Other bone marrow disorders
Some of the bone marrow disorders also increase the risk of AML.
Polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera is an acute myeloid leukemia risk factor characterized by an increase in all types of blood cells, especially red blood cells.
Myelofibrosis
It is a condition that causes severe scarring in the bone marrow, resulting in severe anemia. The patients experience weakness and fatigue. Myelofibrosis has the potential to transform into AML.
Essential thrombocytosis
It is a condition characterized by the production of excessive platelets in the bone marrow. Essential thrombocytosis may progress into AML in almost 1–4% of the patients.
Myelodysplastic syndromes
It is a group of cancers characterized by the inability of immature bone marrow cells to mature cells. Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes are at a higher risk of developing AML.
Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is an acute myeloid leukemia risk factor. It is a rare and serious disease and may occur at any age.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Prevention Measures
Some of the common acute myeloid leukemia prevention measures include:
Control Smoking
Avoiding smoking is one of the most important acute myeloid leukemia prevention measures. Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of various types of cancer, including AML, as it avoids exposure to harmful chemicals present in cigarette smoke.
Avoiding known cancer-causing chemicals
Several chemicals, such as benzene, increase the risk of AML. Avoiding prolonged exposure to these chemicals is another important acute myeloid leukemia prevention measure.
Conclusion
Acute myeloid leukemia risk factors include age, smoking, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, exposure to certain chemicals, genetic disorders, such as Bloom syndrome, Down syndrome, and Fanconi anemia, and bone marrow disorders, such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, and aplastic anemia. Acute myeloid leukemia prevention measures include quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, especially at the occupation site.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no acute myeloid leukemia prevention measure that completely avoids the development of AML. However, certain steps, such as quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to carcinogens, lower the AML risk.
No studies are available to suggest that AM can be prevented by vaccination.
No evidence indicates that AML can be effectively cured naturally.
Patients with AML need to consume a healthy diet. Food should be rich in protein to strengthen immunity. Patients should also incorporate carbohydrates and healthy fats into their diet.
