Feline Leukemia Causes and Transmission. FeLV is most often the main cause of leukemia in cats. Therefore, true CLL leukemia (FeLV-free) is very rare in this species.
Scientists don't understand the exact causes of leukemia. It seems to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. How leukemia forms. In general, leukemia is thought to occur when some blood cells acquire changes (mutations) in their genetic material or DNA.
What is the cause of leukemia in terms of environmental factors? Environmental exposures linked to leukemia include high doses of ionizing radiation (from medical treatments or nuclear accidents) and chemicals like benzene (found in gasoline and industrial solvents) .

Discover leukemia causes, risk factors, and triggers that increase your chances of developing this condition.Leukemia is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. Causes of leukemia are believed to be a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices.
Genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Depending on the type of leukemia, there is evidence that exposure to radiation and toxins such as tobacco smoke and benzene may increase the risk. Certain health conditions can also contribute.

What causes childhood leukemia? Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and adolescents, accounting for 25% of all cancers diagnosed in individuals younger than 20. Scientists do not yet fully understand the reasons for this trend.
Many believe these are changes due to children and young adults living longer over that period, with death from other causes going down, Keith Pratz, MD, director of the Leukemia Program at Penn Medicines Abramson Cancer Center, told Blood Cancers Today.

Environmental causes of leukemia are important. We look at two main areas: radiation and chemicals. Exposure to Radiation. Radiation is a big environmental cause of leukemia. It comes from high doses in nuclear accidents and low doses from medical tests like X-rays.