Leukemia

Causes & Prevention

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Only One of Three Risk Factors for Leukemia is Truly Under Our Control

According to the Mayo Clinic, although there are factors that place a person at an increased risk of developing some types of leukemia, most people with known risk factors don't get leukemia. And many people with leukemia have none of these risk factors.

The Exact Causes of Leukemia Are Unclear

According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors don't understand the exact cause of leukemia. It seems to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Acute leukemia begins with one or a few white blood cells that have a lost or damaged DNA sequence. These cells remain immature in what's known as a blast form, but maintain the ability to multiply. Because they don't mature and then die as normal cells do, they accumulate and begin to interfere with functions of vital organs. Eventually, they overwhelm the production of healthy cells.

Footdragging By CDC On Disease-Clusters Turns Citizens Into Activists

On May 18, 2006, the Tucson Weekly carried a long article detailing the results of Government procrastination in serious health matters.

Two towns, Sierra Vista (AZ) and Fallon (NV) had disease-clusters, with leukemia striking their citizens at a rate absolutely impossible (by any reasonable standards) due to chance alone.

Formaldehyde and Cancer: questions and answers

Formaldehyde and Cancer: Questions and Answers
(Reviewed: 07/30/2004) - This fact sheet discusses formaldehyde and its possible association with cancer and includes resources for more information.