The odds of getting leukemia vary, but in places like Australia, about 1 in 62 people (1.6%) might be diagnosed by age 85, with higher risks for males (1 in 50) than females (1 in 82). While it's less common overall than some cancers (around 1% of all cancers), it's the most common childhood cancer, making up a quarter of cases in kids. Age and specific leukemia types (like AML or ALL) significantly affect risk, with older adults often facing higher risks for some types, and children more prone to others.
Age – Generally speaking, individuals over the age of 65 are more at risk for leukemia. Demographics – While anyone can conceivably develop leukemia, white males are statistically most susceptible. Radiation exposure – Exposure to radiation from an atomic bomb increases the likelihood that leukemia cells will form.
Anyone can develop leukemia. Still, studies have shown that certain factors may increase your risk, including: Previous cancer treatment. Past cancer treatments involving radiation or chemotherapy may increase the likelihood you'll develop some types of leukemia.
Approximately 23,540 deaths (13,500 males and 10,040 females) in the U.S. were expected to be attributed to leukemia in 2025. From 2018 to 2022, leukemia was the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths in males and the seventh most common cause of cancer deaths in females in the U.S.
In 2025, it is estimated that a person has a 1 in 62 (or 1.6%) risk of being diagnosed with leukaemia by the age of 85 (1 in 50 or 2.0% for males and 1 in 82 or 1.2% for females).
Who is most at risk?
Leukemia is caused by DNA mutations in blood cells, leading to uncontrolled growth, but the exact trigger for these mutations is often unknown, likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors like radiation, benzene exposure, certain viruses, and inherited conditions (e.g., Down Syndrome). These genetic changes tell cells to keep multiplying instead of dying, crowding out healthy cells in the bone marrow.
Most people with leukemia are over 60. Although you can develop it at any time of life, most types are rarely diagnosed in people under 40.
Leukemia symptoms commonly include:
Most types of leukemia are slightly more common in males than in females.
Recommendations for Preventing Leukemia
Bone marrow testing is usually done in conjunction with blood tests because it adds information that can aid with diagnosis and treatment decisions. "For a bone marrow biopsy, a core of bone is removed with a long needle and the bone marrow is examined under a microscope.
Drugs called alkylating agents are linked to an increased risk of AML. Examples of alkylating drugs include cyclophosphamide, mechlorethamine, procarbazine, chlorambucil, melphalan, busulfan, carmustine, cisplatin, and carboplatin.
When it comes to cancer, genetics and chance often steal the spotlight. Yet lifestyle factors—including smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, dietary habits, and more—can also sway the odds of developing leukemia.
Previous studies confirmed that CLL patients' most common blood group is the A group, but other studies show that blood group O is predominant. Regarding CML cases, the studies found that the most predominant blood group in CML patients is the O and B blood groups.
Leukaemias are grouped in two ways: the type of white blood cell affected - lymphoid or myeloid; and how quickly the disease develops and gets worse. Acute leukaemia appears suddenly and grows quickly while chronic leukaemia appears gradually and develops slowly over months to years.
Bone marrow test.
Your doctor may recommend a procedure to remove a sample of bone marrow from your hipbone. The bone marrow is removed using a long, thin needle. The sample is sent to a laboratory to look for leukemia cells.
Some people with leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes have bone or joint pain. This bone pain is most often felt in the long bones of the arms and legs, in the ribs, and in the breastbone.
Stage 1 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and enlarged lymph nodes. Stage 2 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and is anemic. He or she may also have enlarged lymph nodes. Stage 3 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and is anemic.
Acute leukemias
Clinical studies suggest that stress-related biobehavioral factors can accelerate progression of hematopoietic cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but it is unclear whether such effects are causal or what biological pathways mediate such effects.
Common leukemia symptoms may include:
When detected and treated early, acute leukemia is curable in many cases. "Even when there are a lot of factors, such as advanced age and other medical conditions, we estimate that half of acute leukemia cases can be cured, which is high for such an aggressive cancer," says Dr. Shah.
Physical exams. Genetic tests to look for chromosome and gene changes. Leukemia blood testing methods, such as a complete blood count. Bone marrow tests, including bone marrow aspiration or biopsy, to gather tissue samples.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
These cells develop into red blood cells, white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), or platelets. Subtypes of myelodysplastic syndromes are distinguished by what kind of blood cell is affected. In time, some patients who have a myelodysplastic syndrome may develop leukemia.