Risks for leukemia

Last medical review:

Some things can affect your risk, or chance, of developing cancer. Certain behaviours, substances or conditions can increase or decrease the risk. Most cancers are the result of many risks. But sometimes cancer develops in people who don't have any risks.

Different types of leukemia may have different risks, and some may be the same. Find out more about risks for acute leukemia and risks for chronic leukemia.

Expert review and references

  • Schwilk E, Zhang L, Smith MT, et al. Formaldehyde and leukemia: an updated meta-analysis and evaluation of bias. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010:
  • Gentry PR, Rodricks JV, Turnbull D, Bachand A, Van Landingham C, Shipp AM, Albertini RJ, Irons R.. Formaldehyde exposure and leukemia: critical review and reevaluation of the results from a study that is the focus for evidence of biological plausibility. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 2013:
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Volume 100B: Biological agents: A Review of Human Carcinogens. 2012:
  • National Toxicology Program. 14th Report on Carcinogens. Department of Health and Human Services; 2016:

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