It's not clear what causes acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), but the myeloid stem cellsproduce more white blood cells than are needed.
The white blood cells produced are still immature, so they do not have the infection-fighting properties of fully developed white blood cells.
As the number of immature cells increases, the amount of healthy red blood cells and platelets decrease, and it's this fall that causes many of the symptoms of leukaemia.
Increased risk
It's not known what triggers the genetic mutationin AML, although a number of different things can increase your risk of developing the condition.
Radiation exposure
Being exposed toa significant level ofradiation can increase your chances of developing AML, although this usually requires exposureat very high levels.
In the UK, most peopleare unlikely to be exposed to levels of radiation high enough to cause AML.
But some people who have had radiotherapy as part of a previous cancer treatment may have a bigger chance of getting AML.
Benzene and smoking
Exposure to the chemical benzene is a known risk factor for AML in adults.
Benzene is found in petrol, and it's also used in the rubber industry, although there are strict controls to protect people from prolonged exposure.
Benzene is also found in cigarette smoke, which could explain why people who smoke have an increased risk of developing AML.
Previous cancer treatment
Treatment with radiotherapy and certain chemotherapy medicines foran earlier, unrelated cancer can increase your risk of developing AML many years later.
Blood disorders
People with certain blood disorders,such as myelodysplasia, myelofibrosis orpolycythaemia vera,have an increased risk of developing AML.
Genetic disorders
People with certain genetic conditions, including Down's syndrome and Fanconi's anaemia, have an increased risk of developing leukaemia.
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022
Next review due: 04 October 2025
