Cancer of the leukocytes or blood-forming cells is called leukemia. From acute to chronic onset, this type of cancer can have different impacts on different patients. There are four primary types of leukemia occurring in children and adults. The risk factors for leukemia increase with age, and there are also many external factors that can make an adult vulnerable to this type of cancer.

It is a commonly known fact that men are at higher risk when it comes to leukemia. The following are the other risk factors that you should know about –

• Blood disorders
  People who already have severe blood disorders might be more vulnerable to this type of cancer. Idiopathic myeloid fibrosis is one such blood disease that acts as a risk factor for leukemia. There are chances of noticing abnormalities in the bone marrow cells in such patients with existing blood disorders, and this increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia.
• Correlation with other cancer types
  There have been several cases where people with other types of cancer might develop leukemia. Often, this occurs where the patient was on some form of chemotherapy for an extended period. The adverse reaction of the body to some types of drugs used in chemotherapy could be the cause in this case. Therefore, people who have been receiving chemotherapy for some form of cancer might be at a higher risk of leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia. The other major risk that links leukemia with a history of cancer is radiation therapy. Exposure to some chemicals can also drastically elevate leukemia risks in adults.
• Chemical exposure
  Like most other types of cancers, this one can also be acquired due to prolonged exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. Benzene is one common ingredient that is used as a solvent and is known to increase cancer risks. People working in workplaces with poor workplace safety measures are at higher risks of leukemia. Exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde, for example, is also one of the most prevalent risk factors for leukemia.
• Genetic factors
  People with a family history of leukemia or those who experience some form of mutated genes that can lead to this type of cancer should also be extra cautious. Children with Down Syndrome and other conditions caused by genetic abnormalities fall in the high-risk category. Bloom syndrome is another congenital disorder that increases the risk. Genetic factors are risks that cannot be averted, and so the only step that can be taken is to perform regular blood screening to diagnose leukemia on time.

Keeping in mind the above risk factors for leukemia, people in the high-risk category can lower the chances of this type of cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on a healthy diet and taking safe and natural steps to mitigate the risks would be the best strategies to avert the chances of developing leukemia.