A risk factor is something that increases your chances of
getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop MDS
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more
risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing
MDS. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what
you can do to reduce your risk. Because bone marrow is rapidly
and continuously producing new cells, it is one of the most
sensitive tissues in your body. This high rate of cell
production makes it susceptible to both radiation and toxic
damage. Factors that may affect your risk of MDS include the
following: Exposure to Radiation Cumulative doses of radiation
increase the risk of MDS. Such radiation may be used to treat
the following types of cancer: - Hodgkin's disease - Breast
cancer - Lung cancer - Ovarian cancer - Cancer of the
gastrointestinal tract - Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - Seminoma (a
form of testicular cancer) - Multiple myeloma - Polycythemia
vera - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia Atomic bomb s