Reducing your risk for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

You may lower your risk of developing chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) by doing the following.

Avoid breathing in formaldehyde

Studies have shown that breathing in formaldehyde may increase your risk of CML. Avoid or limit your long-term contact with formaldehyde.

Maintain a healthy body weight

Some studies have shown that overweight or obesity may increase your risk of CML. You may lower your risk by having a healthy body weight. Eating well and being physically active can help you have a healthy body weight.

More information about preventing cancer

Learn what you can do to prevent cancer.

American Cancer Society. What are the risk factors for chronic myelogenous leukemia?. 2016: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chronic-myeloid-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html.
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Kurtin SE . Leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Yarbro, CH, Wujcki D, & Holmes Gobel B. (eds.). Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2011: 57: pp. 1369-1398.
Saberi Hosnijeh F, Romieu I, Gallo V, Riboli E, Tjonneland A, Halkjaer J, et al . Anthropometric characteristics and risk of lymphoid and myeloid leukemia in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Cancer Causes and Control. 2013.
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