What Causes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas
 

The causes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are not known. However, certain factors increase the chances that you may get the disease. These are called risk factors. The risk factors for CLL include:

  • Being middle-aged or older, male, or white.
  • A family history of CLL or cancer of the lymph system.
This content was last modified on August 11, 2007 .
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