Factors that increase the risk of blood cancer
Genetics: A family history of blood cancer increases your risk. Similarly, people with certain genetic disorders (such as Down syndrome) are more likely to develop it.
Radiation Exposure: Long-term exposure to high levels of radiation (such as nuclear bomb blasts or radiation therapy for cancer) can increase your risk of blood cancer.
Chemical Exposure: Continuous exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, in the workplace or elsewhere can be dangerous.
Previous cancer treatments: Some types of chemotherapy or radiation given for other cancers may slightly increase your risk of developing blood cancer in the future.
Immune system disorders: Certain conditions that affect the body’s immune system can increase your risk of cancer.
Viruses: Rarely, some viral infections (for example, HTLV-1) can cause cancers such as lymphoma.
