Question
A mother had an X-ray examination during her pregnancy and now her child is two years old, worried that the child might develop leukemia in the future. Is there any basis for this concern?
Answer
The occurrence of leukemia is related to various external factors, which play an indispensable role in the development of the disease. Physical factors, such as radiation and ultraviolet light, long-term exposure to which may increase the risk of illness by 3 to 10 times. In terms of chemical factors, about 80% of leukemia cases are related to environmental pollution, such as poor-quality furniture, construction materials, cleaning products, paints, lead, asphalt, and other harmful chemicals, including radon, formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, styrene, trichloroethylene, and asbestos. In addition, imbalanced nutrition, such as deficiencies or imbalances in vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, sugars, and fibers, may also lead to internal environmental disorder. Mental stress, such as long-term depression or anxiety, as well as poor lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, poor eating habits, and unscientific cooking methods may also be contributing factors.