What are the causes of leukemia?
Leukemia is a blood-related cancer that results in over 44,000 new diagnoses each year in the United States, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The specific causes of leukemia are not known, but doctors now understand more about how the cancer works in general and what some risk factors are for developing leukemia.FunctionLeukemia occurs due to a mutation inside of the genetic material in a white blood cell. This mutation multiplies and causes other white blood cells to grow abnormally fast, forming cancer.SignificanceDoctors do not fully understand what causes this mutation, but it appears to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, according to the Mayo Clinic.SymptomsSymptoms of leukemia include fever, chills, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, easy bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath during routine activities, tiny red spots on your skin, sweating and bone pain.Types of LeukemiaAcute leukemia affects immature white bl
