A risk factor is something that raises your chances of getting a health problem. Some of these, such as your age or health past, cannot be changed. Others, like some habits, can be changed.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is harmful to the whole body. The risk of many cancers (not just leukemia) are higher in people who smoke.

Quitting smoking is a big step in lowering your chances of leukemia and other cancers. The sooner smoking is stopped, the sooner the body can start to heal. Talk to your doctor about the best ways for you to quit.

Control Exposures at Work and Home

Many people work in jobs where they may be around harmful chemicals such as benzene. It is also found in the home. Low levels of benzene are in products like gasoline, exhaust from a car, or pollution. It can also come from glue, paint, or cleaning products. Follow the label's directions with care. Use a mask or air out the room while using these. It will help lower the risk of exposure.

Try to find work that's safer if you can. If not, take steps to protect yourself from harm. 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. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this risk.

REFERENCES:

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116388/Acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia-lymphoma-ALL. Updated October 17, 2018. Accessed March 13, 2019.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114798/Acute-myeloid-leukemia-AML. Updated August 14, 2018. March 13, 2019.

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. Updated October 17, 2018. Accessed March 13, 2019.

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. Updated August 21, 2018. Accessed March 13, 2019.

Can chronic lymphcytic leukemia be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Updated April 11, 2016. Accessed March 13, 2019.

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. Updated June 19, 2018. Accessed March 13, 2019.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114637/Chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-CLL-Small-lymphocytic-leukemia-SLL. Updated November 21, 2017. Accessed March 13, 2019.

Chronic myeloid leukemia. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115889/Chronic-myeloid-leukemia-CML. Updated January 4, 2018. Accessed March 13, 2019.

Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP