Scientist says most childhood leukaemia cases could be preventedMay 22, 2018 - 14:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A leading scientist has identified the likely cause of childhood leukaemia – and said most cases could be prevented, Sky News reports. Professor Mel Greaves of the Institute of Cancer Research said a combination of a genetic mutation while babies are still in the womb, followed by an infection with an unknown bacteria or virus, is the most likely cause of the blood cancer. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer, with 500 cases diagnosed in the UK each year. Around 90% are cured. Professor Greaves, who has been studying childhood leukaemia for more than 40 years, debunked theories that radiation, high voltage electricity cables or chemicals caused leukaemia. He said: "It has always struck me that something big was missing, a gap in our knowledge - why or how otherwise healthy children develop leukaemia and whether this cancer is preventable." In a review of previous studies, published in the journal Nature Reviews Cancer, he said most cases of the disease are caused by two crucial steps. The first occurs in the womb, when a random genetic mutation predisposes the baby to leukaemia. But only 1% of children born with the alteration go on to develop the disease. The second is caused by exposure to one or more common infections, particularly if children have had 'clean' upbringings, with little exposure to bugs from siblings or other social interactions. The finding suggests that exposing children with the first stage mutation to benign microbes early in life could be enough to protect them from developing leukaemia. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |