There are four major types of leukemia, acute lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemias, and chronic lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemias.  No one knows the exact causes of leukemia.  Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop leukemia.  A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease.

The risk factors for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML):

• Being male
• Smoking, especially after age 60
• Having had treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the past
• Having had treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the past
• Being exposed to atomic bomb radiation or the chemical benzene
• Having a history of a blood disorder, such as myelodysplastic syndrome

Possible signs of adult AML are:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding).
• Weakness or feeling tired
• Weight loss or loss of appetite

A risk factor for AML that can be avoided is smoking.  Quitting smoking at any time inlife will be beneficial.  Smoking remains the most preventable cause of death in our society.  Half of all Americans who continue to smoke will die from smoking related diseases.

Ways to quit smoking are numerous.  Many smokers want to quit.  Finding the method that is best to meet individual needs and styles can be a challenge.  Some of the quitting options are:

• Cold turkey—abruptly stop smoking cigarettes
• Nicotine Gum—nicotine released in chewing gum
• Nicotine Skin Patch—provides nicotine through the skin
• Nicotine Nasal Spray—nicotine nasal spray
• Nicotine Lozenge—alternative nicotine source
• Nicotine Inhaler—provides 1/3 the nicotine of a cigarette, in a new form
• Cigarette filters—gradually reduces the amount of nicotine consumed
• Zyban—a pill that helps smokers quit, but how it works is not known
• Chantix—a drug that acts like nicotine

In Iowa, an excellent resource to help you quit smoking is Quitline Iowa. Check them out by calling 1-866-822-2857, or log on to www.quitlineiowa.org

For more information about any cancer concern, contact:

Cancer Information Service
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
UI Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive, 4802 JPP
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Toll-free: 1-800-237-1225
cancer-information@uiowa.edu
http://www.uihealthcare.com/cancer