Causes of acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is caused by a DNA mutation in the stem cells in your bone marrow that producered blood cells, platelets and infection-fighting white blood cells.

The mutationcauses the stem cellsto produce many more white blood cells than are needed.

The white blood cells produced are still immature, so they don't have the infection-fighting properties of fully developed white blood cells. These immature cells are known as "blast 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 factors thatcan increase your risk of developing the condition have been identified.

The main risk factors for AML areoutlined below.

Radiation exposure

Being exposed toa significant level of Radiation can increase your chances of developing AML, although this usually requires exposureat very high levels. For example, rates of AML are higher in people who survivedthe atomic bomb explosions in Japan in 1945.

In the UK, most peopleare unlikely to be exposed to levels of radiation high enough to cause AML.However, some people who have had radiotherapy as part of their treatment for previous cancer (see below) can be the exception.

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 medications foran earlier, unrelated cancer can increase your risk of developing AML many years later.

Leukaemia that develops as a result of previous cancer treatment is called "secondary leukaemia" or "treatment-related leukaemia".

Blood disorders

People with certain blood disorders such as myelodysplasia, myelofibrosis or polycythaemia vera (PCV) have an increased risk of developing AML.

Genetic disorders

People with certain genetic disorders, including Downs syndrome and Fanconis anaemia, have an increased risk of developing leukaemia.

Other suggested triggers

A number of other environmental factors that could trigger AML have also been suggested, including childhood vaccinations and living near a nuclear power station or a high-voltage power line. However, there's no clearevidence to suggest that these can increase your risk of developing AML.