Abstract

Leukemia remains one of the most misunderstood malignancies despite remarkable advances in molecular biology and immunology. Progress made in understanding its etiology and pathophysiology has been limited by its low incidence rate and the potential for multiple etiological factors. Some of the described etiological factors include environmental factors (benzene, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields, pesticides, occupational or parental occupational exposures), diet factors (vitamins A and D), infection factors (retroviruses), medical and iatrogenic factors (diagnostic radiographs, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy agents) and hereditary and genetic factors.

Keywords: Leukemia; Environmental factors; Iatrogenic factors; Crude oil exploration