Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that increases the possibility of getting a disease. Here are some risk factors for developing AML:
Age
Your chance of developing AML increases with age. AML is most common in older adults and the average age of diagnosis is 65 years of age.
Gender
Men are at a higher risk than women for developing AML.
Smoking
The carcinogenic toxins in tobacco smoke can get into your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. About 20% of cases of AML are thought to be directly related to smoking.
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Blood Disorders
Certain blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, and idiopathic myelofibrosis may cause defects in your blood cells and blood cell formation, and can eventually develop into AML.
Chemotherapy
Patients treated with chemotherapy for other forms of cancer may have an increased risk for AML. Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat other cancers have been linked to the development of AML (e.g. alkylator agents).
Chemical Exposure
Long term exposure to certain industrial chemicals may increase your risk for developing AML.
Radiation Exposure
People who have been exposed to radiation from an atomic bomb blast are at high risk for AML. Prior exposure to radiation therapy may also increase the risk of developing AML.
