Leukemia Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent leukemia. In fact, most people with leukemia have no known risk factors. People can, however, make certain lifestyle choices that might lower their risk of developing leukemia.

• About 20 percent of all adult acute leukemia cases are related to smoking. Quitting smoking can lessen a person's chance of getting leukemia as well as other cancers, including lung, head, neck, esophagus, stomach, kidney, and bladder cancer.

• Cancer-killing drugs may cause leukemia. Doctors are studying ways to lessen this risk. However, the benefits of these drugs far outweigh the risks.

• Staying away from certain chemicals, such as benzene, may lower a person's risk of developing leukemia.

• People with a known family history of leukemia or leukemia-related diseases should have regular medical checkups.