Risk Factors

Leukemia

Scientists do not fully understand all the causes of leukemia, but research has uncovered many associations. For example, chronic exposure to benzene in the workplace and exposure to large doses of radiation have been shown to cause certain types of leukemia in some cases.¹ Additionally, smoking (especially after age 60) may be associated with some types of leukemia in adults.¹ Other risk factors for developing certain types of leukemia may include having a family history of chronic leukemia.¹ Caucasians are more likely than African Americans to develop acute leukemia,² but scientists do not know why.

Lymphoma

The main causes of lymphoma are unknown. However, research has shown that people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at much higher risk of developing lymphoma.³ Other viral agents such as Human T-Cell Lymphotrophic Virus and Epstein Barr Virus have also been linked with certain types of lymphoma.³ Finally, some studies suggest that specific ingredients in herbicides and pesticides may be associated with lymphoma occurrence, but scientists have not defined the amount of such exposures required to increase the risk of developing lymphoma.³

Myeloma

Age is the most significant risk factor for developing myeloma.¹ People under the age of 45 years rarely develop the disease, and most myeloma cases occur in people aged 67 or older.⁴ Men are more likely than women to have myeloma, and myeloma is about twice as common among African Americans as among white Americans.² In rare cases, exposure to radiation may be a risk factor for developing myeloma.¹ Finally, having a brother or sister who has multiple myeloma may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease.¹

References

1. National Institutes of Health. PDQ Cancer Information Summaries: Adult Treatment.



2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2004 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; 2007.
    
3. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Disease Information online. Accessed March 2006, at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7026,* www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7030,* and www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7032.*



4. Devita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds. Principles and Practice of Oncology. Hagerstown, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.

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