Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is rare, but anyone can get it.
It's not always clear what causes it.
You might be more likely to get it if:
- you're aged 60 or older – your risk of getting it increases as you age
- you have a genetic condition such as Down's syndrome
- you have another kind of blood disorder such as chronic myeloid leukaemia
- you have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
- you've had chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the past, especially when you were a child
- you've been regularly exposed to high levels of a chemical called benzene – this is more likely in some industries, such as oil refineries
- you smoke
It's important to get any symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia checked by a GP.
