That's a really common question, and the honest answer is that CML isn't caused by anything you did or didn't do. It develops when a gene in a blood cell gets damaged — not because of lifestyle choices or anything preventable.
Here's what happens at the cellular level:
- Two chromosomes in a blood cell swap pieces with Show Full Answer
That's a really common question, and the honest answer is that CML isn't caused by anything you did or didn't do. It develops when a gene in a blood cell gets damaged — not because of lifestyle choices or anything preventable.
Here's what happens at the cellular level:
- Two chromosomes in a blood cell swap pieces with each other
- This creates an abnormal gene known as the BCR-ABL gene
- This is also called the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome
- The abnormal gene tells the body to produce too many white blood cells, which leads to leukemia
This process starts in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside certain bones where blood cells are made, and then spreads into the blood. It's worth knowing that CML is not inherited or contagious. The gene change happens during a person's lifetime rather than being passed down from parents. Researchers don't fully understand why this chromosomal swap happens in some people and not others.
As always, a conversation with your care team can help clarify anything specific to your own situation.
June 26
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