TOP 10 Reasons for Blood Cancer In Children

[welcomewiki]

Leukemia, a cancer of the blood, is the most common form of cancer in childhood. As per estimates, it accounts for almost 1 out of 3 cancers in children. Most childhood leukemias are acute (fast growing). About 3 out of 4 childhood leukemias are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), which starts in early forms of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Most of the remaining cases of childhood leukemia are acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which starts from the myeloid cells that normally form white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), red blood cells, or platelets. Childhood leukemias may be caused by DNA mutations that can be inherited from a parent or they may happen randomly during a person’s lifetime. Some studies also suggest that childhood leukemias may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Below are five factors that are linked to increased risk of developing leukemia in children:

Down syndrome

The risk of leukemia is much higher than expected in children with Down syndrome, according to a new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics. It found that 2.8 per cent of children with Down syndrome were diagnosed with leukemia, compared to 0.05 per cent of other children. ALL was more common in children with Down syndrome who are between ages 2-4 years, while AML was more common in the first year of life.

Li Fraumeni syndrome

People with this rare inherited condition have a higher risk of developing several kinds of cancer, including leukemia. Li-Fraumeni syndrome is caused by a change (mutation) in a tumor suppressor gene known as TP53. People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 50 percent chance of passing it on to their children, regardless of how they acquired the altered gene. Other cancers associated with this syndrome include brain tumors and cancers reasts, bones, adrenal gland, and muscles.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Most childhood cancers are not associated with lifestyle-related risk factors. But some studies suggest that excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy might increase the risk of leukemia in children. A pooled analysis of data from published studies, reported in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that drinking alcohol during pregnancy was associated with a 56 percent increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia in children.

Radiation exposure

Exposure to high levels of radiation is another risk factor for childhood leukemia. If a pregnant woman is exposed to radiation within the first months of foetal development, the child may at an increased risk of childhood leukemia. Some studies have also found a slight increase in risk from foetal or childhood exposure to lower levels of radiation, such as from x-ray tests or CT scans. Therefore, pregnant women and children are advised to avoid getting these tests unless they are absolutely needed.
Source https://www.wikinewforum.com/showthread.php?t=415456

Similar Threads:

• Bollywood Fight Back Cancer is the deadliest disease in the world
• TOP 10 Lung Cancer Types, Stages, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Risk Factors, Risk Reduction
• TOP 10 - Breast Cancer Male & Female, Types, Stages, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Risk Factors, Risk Reduction
• TOP 10 Biggest Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk (Try weightlifting, Eat more Onion and Garlic, Eat your Dinner Early)
• Angelina Jolie Donates A Whopping $1 Million For Underprivileged Children In The Wake