Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects an estimated 20,000 people in the United States each year. AML is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the bone marrow that inhibit the production of healthy blood cells.
The cause of AML is not completely understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors including genetic mutations, radiation exposure, and certain chemicals or drugs. Genetic mutations can be inherited or acquired during a person’s lifetime, and these mutations in the DNA of the bone marrow cells can cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of AML.
Radiation exposure, such as from x-rays or radiation therapy for cancer, can also increase the risk of developing AML. Certain chemicals and drugs, including some chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, and certain industrial chemicals, are also thought to be linked to an increased risk of AML.
The effects of AML can be devastating. People with AML may experience a range of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, anemia, and a weakened immune system. As the cancer progresses, it can cause life-threatening complications such as bleeding, infection, and organ damage.
Treatment for AML includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, a stem cell transplant. While the prognosis for AML varies greatly depending on the individual, the majority of people with AML can expect to live for at least five years after diagnosis.