Risks and causes of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
We don’t know what causes most cases of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). But we do know that exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing CML.
Having this risk factor doesn't mean that you will definitely develop cancer.
What is a risk factor?
Anything that can increase your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor.
Different cancers have different risk factors. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you will definitely get that cancer.
High energy radiation (ionising radiation)
Exposure to high energy 
(x-rays or gamma rays) is linked to a very small increased risk of developing . CML is one type of acute leukaemia. This could be through medical tests such as x-rays and , or having for cancer.
The health risks of radiation from tests such as x-rays are generally very low and it is important you have these tests to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Doctors keep your exposure to radiation as low as possible and only do them when they are necessary.
Although having radiotherapy in the past has been linked with an increased risk of cancer, the risk is balanced by the need to treat the original cancer.
Are there other causes?
Stories about possible cancer causes are often in the media and it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. You may have heard of something that isn’t included here. This is because we only include a risk factor in this information if it is supported by good quality evidence.
Reducing your risk
There are ways you can reduce your risk of cancer.
