Who gets leukemia?

As of 2015, doctors are unsure why specific people develop leukemia and others do not, states MedicineNet.com. However, doctors have identified several risk factors for the condition, including having a family history of leukemia and smoking.

People who have been exposed to very high levels of radiation are also more prone to develop leukemia, according to MedicineNet.com. The exposure could come from many different situations, such as having an X-ray performed, receiving radiation therapy or exposure to atomic weapons. People with Down syndrome or other inherited diseases and patients undergoing certain types of chemotherapy are also at a higher risk of developing leukemia.