Top 15 Common Questions About Leukemia

Is leukemia genetic (Is leukemia hereditary)?

Certain forms of myeloid chronic leukemia are inherited through chromosomic alterations that run through families. In other types of leukemia, such as myeloid leukemia, the origin is unknown, and it is often associated with environmental factors, radiation exposure, contact with chemical agents, and certain medications. Since hereditary leukemia is a possibility, your doctor may need to ask you about your family history with cancer, especially blood cancer.