Causes of Leukemia
Leukemia is caused by a genetic mutation in the DNA of blood cells, which is sometimes caused by translocation of pieces of DNA. These genetic mutations can occur on their own, but several outside factors can also stimulate mutation of the cells. Researchers have found links between leukemia and radiation, chemicals, heredity and even viral infections.
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DNA mutation
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All cancers start as DNA mutations within certain cells. When white blood cells lose pieces of their DNA or their DNA is damaged, the process to develop leukemia begins. These abnormal, leukemic cells are then replicated over and over, which creates an immature blast form that will never properly mature. And unlike normal blood cells, these leukemic cells will not die but continue to multiply until there are more abnormal cells than normal, healthy blood cells.
Genetic Translocations
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The mutations can also occur due to translocations, where one part of a chromosome displaces and attaches itself to another. Translocating chromosomes disrupts the normal sequence of DNA, and sometimes the disruption will stimulate tumor growth and prevent tumor suppression.
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Radiation
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Radiation exposure can damage and destroy cells, including blood cells, and cause DNA translocation. Research has shown that extensive exposure to radiation can cause some types of leukemia, including acute and myeloid leukemia.
Chemical Carcinogens
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Some chemicals are carcinogens, meaning that they can cause cancer. Long-term and occupational exposure to benzene, herbicides, pesticides and even some permanent hair dyes have been linked to both increased risks to developing leukemia and causing it.
Viral Infections
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Some research has linked leukemia to viral infections. The evidence for a correlation has been strong in some cases, but the link has not yet been proven.
Hereditary Links
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Studies have found that leukemia tends to develop more commonly in some families than others. Researchers therefore believe that some types of leukemia could be hereditary, but they haven't been able to concretely prove the connection.
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