Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that is caused in the blood cells and bone marrow. There are two more types of blood cancers, namely, lymphoma and myeloma. Leukemia occurs when there is a rapid production of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow—a place where all different types of blood cells are formed—that stops other healthy blood cells from growing and preventing the body from infections.

Like every disease, leukemia also has many risk factors that increase the chances of cancer in a person.

• Smoking – Cigarette smoking is injurious to health and it is known for increasing one’s risk of developing cancer as cigarettes contain a dozen of cancer-causing chemicals.
• Exposure to cancer-causing agents – High doses of radiation often cause an increased risk of developing leukemia. Additionally, long-term exposure to high levels of solvents at workplaces can cause leukemia in people.
• Myelodysplastic syndrome – This syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when something tampers the production of blood cells. Therefore, this defect in the production of blood cells can increase the chances of leukemia as well.
• Rare and genetic diseases – There are several rare and genetic diseases that increase the chances of developing leukemia in a person. Some of these rare diseases include down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Bloom-Torre-Machacek syndrome, and ataxia-telangiectasia.
• Family history – People who have an immediate relative like a parent, sibling, or a child with chronic lymphocytic leukemia have increased chances of developing cancer. However, on the contrary, in most cases where people have been diagnosed with cancer have shown no history of having a relative with the disease.

Once there is an understanding of all the risk factors, one can take the necessary measures to reduce the impact of risk factors and subsequently prevent the development of leukemia. Below are some preventive measures that can help:

• Avoiding triggers – Leukemia can be prevented by avoiding high doses of radiation, chemical substances, smoking, and tobacco use. Avoiding these things can help one avoid leukemia.
• Good diet – Along with avoiding the things that can trigger leukemia, one must also incorporate a healthy diet as that can help them improve their bodily functions and strengthen their immune system. Therefore, a balanced diet that contains natural and whole foods is important to consume instead of packaged and junk food.
• Healthier lifestyle – One can always combat diseases and prevent themselves from the deadliest of disease when they live in harmony with less or no intoxication, healthy diet, and a healthy lifestyle that consists of routine physical exercises, healthy sleep pattern, and controlled body weight.
• Routine medical check-up – Getting regular health check-up can help one prevent leukemia by identifying the early signs of cancer and taking immediate medical actions to combat the disease. Therefore, if one identifies with any of the risk factors or symptoms of luekemia, then they should consult a doctor right away.