No, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is not generally considered to be a hereditary form of cancer. Although there is a small increase in risk for some families, in most cases a person with AML did not inherit the condition from a family member.
However, there are certain inherited genetic syndromes that can increase the risk of developing AML. These include Down Syndrome, Bloom Syndrome, Fanconi Anemia, and Ataxia-Telangiectasia. Additionally, some inherited genetic mutations, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes or in the CEBPA gene, have been associated with an increased risk of AML.
The most common risk factors for AML are age, smoking, and radiation exposure. AML is most likely to occur in people over the age of 65, and smoking can increase the risk of developing the disease. Additionally, exposure to radiation, either due to medical treatment or from certain environmental sources, can increase the risk of developing AML.
It is important to note that in most cases, it is not possible to know the exact cause of a person’s AML. While some people may have inherited genetic mutations that increase their risk, the majority of cases are likely due to a combination of factors, including age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.