Myelodysplastic Syndrome
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All cancers begin in cells, which make up blood and other tissues. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. But with Leukemia the new cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. Leukemia is cancer that begins in blood cells. No one knows the exact causes of leukemia but there are certain factors that can put people at risk.
People who are at risk of having leukemia are those exposed to very high levels of radiation are much more likely to develop leukemia than others. Exposure to high levels of certain chemicals in the workplace can cause leukemia. Cancer patients treated with certain cancer-fighting drugs sometimes later develop leukemia. Down syndrome and certain other genetic diseases and some caused by abnormal chromosomes may increase the risk as well. Human T-cell leukemia virus-I (HTLV-I)—This virus causes a rare type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia known as human T-cell leukemia. However, leukemia does not appear to be contagious.
People with Myelodysplastic syndrome is at increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia.
Most people who have known risk factors do not get leukemia. On the other hand, many who do get the disease have none of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk of leukemia or has a background of cancer in the family should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.