Understanding Leukemia: Causes and Challenges Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that primarily affects the body’s white blood cells. These cells, which normally help fight infections, begin to grow abnormally and crowd out healthy blood cells. The causes of leukemia are complex and multifactorial. While some cases have a genetic component, environmental factors—such as exposure to high levels of radiation, certain chemicals, or previous chemotherapy treatments—also play a role. Other risk factors include a compromised immune system and, in rare instances, inherited conditions. This cancer can progress rapidly, particularly in its acute forms, making early diagnosis and intervention critical. The dangers of leukemia lie not only in the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells but also in the disruption of the body’s normal blood formation process. As healthy cells are suppressed, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bleedi...