Can acute myeloid leukaemia be prevented?

AML begins when immature myeloid blood-forming cells acquire changes that disrupt normal growth. These changes are not usually traceable to something a person did, so a diagnosis should not be viewed as personal failure.

Some risk contexts are known, including certain previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, prolonged exposure to benzene, tobacco smoke, and pre-existing bone-marrow disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes. Having a risk factor does not mean someone will develop AML, and people without a recognised factor can still be diagnosed.

Cancer treatment is prescribed when its expected benefit outweighs later risks. Do not delay or decline needed treatment solely because therapy-related AML is possible; the oncology team can explain the balance for your particular condition.

Do not smoke, and follow workplace controls for benzene and other hazardous chemicals, including protective equipment and exposure reporting. These measures reduce avoidable harm but cannot guarantee AML prevention.

If you have a diagnosed marrow disorder or previously received treatment that can affect bone marrow, attend the follow-up arranged by your specialist. Routine blood counts may detect changes that need investigation, but screening is not generally offered to people without a specific clinical reason.

Arrange medical assessment for persistent unexplained tiredness, unusual bruising or bleeding, repeated infections, fever, breathlessness or marked paleness. These symptoms have many possible causes; a blood count can help identify whether blood cells are affected.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that does not stop, severe breathlessness, confusion, fainting or a high fever with significant weakness, particularly if you already have a blood or marrow condition.

Ask whether a previous treatment or marrow diagnosis changes your follow-up plan, which symptoms should trigger an earlier blood count, and how often existing blood abnormalities should be checked. For workplace exposure, ask occupational health which substance was involved and what monitoring is appropriate.