Causes and Risk Factors of MDS
The causes of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are not fully understood.1
While MDS is thought to be a genetic disease, what exactly leads to the production
and replication of abnormal blood cells is not known.2
Although the
causes of MDS are not well known, researchers have identified certain risk
factors of MDS. These risk factors include exposure to chemotherapy, radiation,
and isolated environmental triggers. MDS that is caused by chemotherapy or
radiation is referred to as “secondary” MDS. All other forms
of MDS are referred to as “primary” or de
novo MDS. Secondary MDS
is the diagnosis 10%-20% of the time.
Although MDS can affect anyone, the people at highest
risk of developing MDS are white men and people age 60 or older.3
Over 80% of people diagnosed with MDS are over age 60. In the United States,
MDS occurs in about 22-45 people for every 100,000 people over age 70.3
To learn more about MDS, visit the other pages in this section, including Symptoms
of MDS and Impact of MDS on Quality of Life.
References
- Kouides PA, Bennett JM. Understanding Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Patient
Handbook. MDS Foundation 2005, http://www.mds-foundation.org/patientinfo.htm.
- Heaney ML, Golde DW. Myelodysplasia. N Engl J Med 1999; 340:1649-60.
- Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc. Myelodysplastic
Syndromes: Basic Explanations. Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation,
Inc. Annapolis, MD; 2005:1-19.
