What increases my risk of CLL?

The cause of CLL is unknown. But there are certain things called risk factors that can increase your chance of developing the disease.

These include:

Age

CLL happens mostly in people aged over 50. More than half of people are aged over 70 years when they are first diagnosed. It doesn’t affect children.

Gender

It is more common in men than women.

Family history

You have a slightly higher risk of getting CLL if some of your close relatives (e.g. a parent, brother or sister) had it, but the risk is small.

Ethnic group

CLL is most common in white populations of European origin. It is slightly less common in those of African origin and rare in Asian populations.