Can Myelodysplastic Syndromes Be Prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). But there are some things you can do that might help lower your risk.
Not smoking
Since smoking is linked to an increased risk of MDS, not smoking can lower the risk. Of course, people who don't smoke are also less likely than people who smoke to develop many other types of cancers, as well as heart disease, stroke, and other diseases.
Avoiding exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
Avoiding known cancer-causing industrial chemicals, such as benzene, might lower your risk of developing MDS.
Treating cancer with radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs can increase a person’s risk of MDS. For some cancers, doctors may try to avoid using the chemo drugs that are more likely to lead to MDS. Some people, however, may need these specific drugs. Often, the obvious benefits of treating life-threatening cancers with chemo and radiation therapy must be balanced against the small chance of developing MDS several years later.
- Written by
- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Aster JC, Stone RM. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and classification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). UpToDate. 2024. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-classification-of-myelodysplastic-syndromes-mds on June 28, 2024.
National Cancer Institute. Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment (PDQ?)–Health Professional Version. 2022. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloproliferative/hp/myelodysplastic-treatment-pdq on June 28, 2024.
Steensma DP, Stone RM. Chapter 96: Myelodysplastic syndromes. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2020.
Last Revised: November 21, 2024
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
American Cancer Society Emails
Sign up to stay up-to-date with news, valuable information, and ways to get involved with the American Cancer Society.