Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is more common in adults than in children, and the average age of diagnosis is 66 years old. While the exact cause of leukemia is unknown, certain ethnic groups are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
The ethnic group most affected by leukemia is people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This population is more than 10 times more likely to develop certain types of leukemia, such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Other ethnic groups that are at an increased risk of developing leukemia include African Americans and Hispanics.
In addition to ethnic background, certain factors can also increase the risk of developing leukemia. These include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and certain viruses. People with a family history of leukemia are also at an increased risk, as are those who suffer from certain conditions such as Down syndrome.
The good news is that leukemia can be treated with medications, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Early detection and treatment is key to increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Overall, people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at the highest risk of developing leukemia, followed by African Americans and Hispanics. However, everyone should be aware of the potential risk factors for the disease and should seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of leukemia.