Who is at Risk?
Published: May 1, 2009 12:00 am
MDS is a rare disease. Worldwide, MDS affects 300,000 people, with an estimated 87,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In the U.S., there are 25,000 people with MDS (roughly 8 percent of total MDS cases), plus an additional 10,000-15,000 new U.S. diagnoses each year.
MDS can be characterized in two ways, depending on the cause.
Primary, or “de novo” MDS, accounts for 70-80 percent of MDS diagnoses. The exact cause of primary MDS is unknown, however certain risk factors – such as age, gender, ethnicity, and genetics – can be contributors.
- Aging increases an individual’s risk for developing MDS. MDS can occur at any age, but 80-90 percent of diagnosed patients are over 60 years old. Also, the median age for patients is 65.
- Men have a higher risk of developing MDS than women. The risk of developing MDS is 1.75 times higher for men than it is for women.
- Caucasians are at a higher risk of developing MDS. Considering both ethnicity and gender, caucasian males have the highest risk of developing MDS.
- Genetic causes for MDS have yet to be found. However, there is a slightly higher risk of developing MDS in families with a history of Sideroblastic or Fanconi’s anemia.
- Pediatric MDS may be due to certain rare congenital bone marrow disorders. Children with Down syndrome are also more susceptible to MDS.
Secondary, or treatment-related MDS, makes up 20-30 percent of MDS diagnoses. It can be caused by either prior chemotherapy treatment or heavy exposure to certain chemicals. Treatment-related MDS poses a risk for up to 10 years following chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Examples of harmful chemicals include melphalan (Alkeran), nitrogen mustard, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), busulfan (Myleran), and chlorambucil (Leukeran).
In general, heavy exposure to solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons (like benzene) may contribute to secondary MDS. Cigarettes are a common source of exposure to benzene. Additionally, people who work in certain industrial settings may come into contact with many types of hydrocarbons. Vietnam veterans, who were exposed to Agent Orange, may also be at risk.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, toxic chemicals, or environments have not been found as common causes for MDS in young children.
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