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Since smoking is linked to the development of leukemia and
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), not smoking can lower the risk of these
diseases. Of course, nonsmokers are also less likely than smokers to
develop many other types of cancers, as well as heart disease, stroke,
and other diseases.
Treating cancer with chemotherapy and radiation can cause MDS.
Doctors are studying ways to minimize the risk of MDS developing in
patients who receive these treatments. In some cancers, doctors may try
to avoid using the chemotherapy drugs that are more likely to lead to
MDS. Some cancers, however, may need these specific drugs. Often, the
obvious benefits of treating life-threatening cancers with chemotherapy
and radiation therapy must be balanced against the small chance of
developing MDS several years later.
Avoiding known cancer-causing industrial chemicals, such as
benzene, might lower your risk of developing MDS. However, most people
with MDS do not have any known exposure to occupational and
environmental radiation and chemicals.
Last Revised: 12/07/2006
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