Who might get acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

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Who might get acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Nearly half of people with AML are older than 65 at the time of diagnosis. The disease tends to affect men more than women. But people of all ages and genders can get the disease.

Certain factors increase risk, including:

  • Blood disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and essential thrombocythemia.
  • Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • Chronic exposure to chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
  • Family history of AML (although this is very rare).
  • Genetic disorders, including Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome and Fanconi anemia.
  • High-dose radiation exposure from a nuclear reactor accident or atomic bomb.
  • Smoking, including exposure to secondhand smoke.

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