Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
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.
Your risk of developing CLL increases as you get older. It is very rare in people younger than 40.
Men are more likely to develop CLL than women. We don't know why that is.
We know that there is some kind of genetic change in some people with CLL. But most people with CLL do not have a family history of it.
You have a higher risk of developing CLL if a close family member (parent, sibling, child) has CLL. But most people with a family history of CLL do not develop it themselves.
Some factors might increase the risk of CLL but there is not enough evidence to be sure.
Some studies suggest that certain hair dyes might increase the risk of developing CLL. But we need more research to clarify if hair dye use today increases the risk of CLL.
Living on a farm, or being exposed to herbicides and pesticides may be linked to an increased risk of CLL.
There are often stories about potential causes in the media. It isn’t always clear which ideas are supported by evidence. There might be things you have heard of that we haven’t included here. This is because either there is no evidence about them or it is less clear.
Find out more about cancer myths
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Last reviewed: 30 Aug 2024
Next review due: 30 Aug 2027
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a cancer that affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. It tends to develop very slowly.
Symptoms of CLL can include swollen glands, weight loss and infections that don't get better. Many people with CLL don't have any symptoms.
You usually start by seeing your GP and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. Find out more about tests and screening for CLL.
If you have very early stage CLL you may not need treatment straight away.
The stage means how far your chronic leukaemia has developed. There are 3 stages - A, B and C.
CLL affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. It tends to develop very slowly. Find out about the treatment you might need and much more.
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