Who is more likely to get myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Anyone can get myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
It's not known what causes MDS in most people. Rarely, it can be caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for another type of cancer.
You might also be more likely to get it if:
- you're over 70
- you're a man
- others in your family have had it, or have had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
- you've worked with the chemical benzene (used in the rubber industry, and found in petrol and cigarette smoke)
- you have certain genetic conditions such as Down's syndrome
Information:
It's important to get any symptoms of MDS checked by a GP.