Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking; and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health-care choices.

Leukemia can be caused by a genetic mutation brought on by heredity or environmental factors (including smoking, chemical, or radiation exposure). However, no specific cause can be identified in most patients with leukemia. The specific cause(s) of eosinophilic leukemia is not known.