Is Leukemia Hereditary?

Leukemia is one of the four major types of cancers which results in a considerable number of deaths every year. Often referred to as the cancer of blood, it is actually the cancer of blood cells or the blood forming tissue. Cancer, as we are aware, is a disease caused due to uncontrolled growth of a harmful cells in the body. In case of leukemia, malignant cells develop in the bone marrow resulting in a progressive disease. Acute myelogenous, acute lymphoblastic, chronic myelogenous and chronic lymphocytic are the four different types of leukemia. One should note that this condition is commonly found in case of children than adults.

Causes and Symptoms of Leukemia

The exact cause of this type of cancer is unknown. However, it is believed that there are some prominent and common causes that can lead to any of the above mentioned types of leukemia. Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, constant exposure to petrochemicals, viruses like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), etc. are some of the common causes of leukemia. Similarly, people suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome and Down syndrome are also at a higher risk of suffering from this condition. Sometimes, it is observed that more than one member of a family suffer from leukemia.

Abnormal clotting and occurrence of diseases like anemia are some of the significant symptoms of leukemia. The person may also constantly suffer from infections and other illnesses due to abnormal functioning of the immune system. Apart from these, early signs and symptoms of leukemia like fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, lack of energy, enlargement of liver, spleen, weakness, etc. are also observed.

Is Leukemia Genetically Inherited?

Similar to all other types of cancer, people suffering from cancer do not pass it to their children or the further generation. It is only in rare cases that we find parents and their offspring and their offspring suffering from cancer. However, leukemia is not hereditary or is not inherited genetically. But, on the other hand, although not proven, it is believed that genetics and heredity play an important role in causing leukemia. Hence, we can say that the family members of people suffering from leukemia are at a higher risk of contracting this disease.

Now, imagine if a person stays in an environment where he is exposed to petrochemicals on a daily basis or smokes everyday. In that case, the person himself or herself and all the family members are at a risk of suffering from leukemia. Hence, in this case, if we find more than one family member suffering from leukemia, we tend to wonder whether this disease is hereditary or not. But, now that you are aware of its causes and its relation on genetics, you need to be careful.

It is essential to know leukemia symptoms and treatment in order to get the condition diagnosed and treated immediately. Therefore, you should consult a doctor immediately if any related symptoms are observed.