Who is effected by leukemia?
Leukemia can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 55-60 years and children under 15 years old. However, there are certain types of leukemia that are more prevalent in certain age groups. For example, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia in children, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is more common in adults.
People who are exposed to certain risk factors are at an increased risk of developing leukemia. Some of these risk factors include:
* Radiation exposure. Exposure to high levels of radiation, such as from an atomic bomb or from medical imaging tests, can increase the risk of leukemia.
* Chemical exposure. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde, has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia.
* Viral infections. Some viruses, such as the human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), have been linked to an increased risk of leukemia.
* Genetic factors. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to leukemia. This risk is higher if you have a family history of the disease.
It is important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop leukemia. However, it is important to be aware of your risk factors so that you can take steps to reduce your exposure to them.