The exact cause of leukemia in children is not known. There are certain conditions passed on from parents to children (inherited) that increase the risk for childhood leukemia. But, most childhood leukemia is not inherited. Researchers have found changes (mutations) in genes of the bone marrow cells.

How can leukemia be prevented in babies?

Although the risk of many adult cancers can be reduced by lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking), there is no known way to prevent most childhood cancers at this time. Most children with leukemia have no known risk factors, so there is no sure way to prevent these leukemias from developing.

How common is leukemia in babies?

While childhood leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, leukemia in children younger than a year old is very rare. In fact, only about 160 infants in the United States are diagnosed with leukemia each year, according to a 2016 review of studies.