Can acute myeloid leukemia (AML) be prevented?

Dr. David Steensma, an expert on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), explains that doctors do not yet know exactly how to prevent AML. In the future, we may have screening tests for adults. For now, avoiding smoking and tobacco products, or quitting smoking if you smoke, may reduce your risk. Although some AML can develop after treatment for another type of cancer, the benefits of that treatment may outweigh the risk of getting treatment-related AML, or tAML. It is important to talk with your doctor about this.