Leukemia is a genetic disease, but it is generally not inherited.
Here's a breakdown:
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Genetic vs. Inherited: It's crucial to distinguish between "genetic" and "inherited." Genetic means related to a person's DNA. Inherited means passed down from parents to offspring.
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Leukemia as a Genetic Disease: Leukemia arises from changes (mutations) in the DNA of blood-forming cells, typically in the bone marrow. These mutations disrupt the normal regulation of cell growth and division, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells).
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Acquired Mutations: In most cases, these DNA mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime. They are not present at birth and are not inherited from their parents. These mutations can be caused by factors such as:
- Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., benzene)
- Radiation exposure
- Certain viral infections
- Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
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Rare Inherited Predispositions: While most leukemias are not directly inherited, there are rare inherited genetic conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing leukemia. Examples include:
- Fanconi anemia
- Down syndrome
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
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Summary: Leukemia is a genetic disease because it involves changes in DNA. However, most leukemia cases are caused by acquired mutations, not inherited ones. In rare cases, inherited genetic conditions can predispose someone to a higher risk of developing leukemia.
