How genetics affects leukaemia
'There is good biological evidence now that with childhood leukaemia, there is an interesting double whammy. First, there is a very common genetic mutation that occurs in the baby while they are in the womb. Then, in 1% of those children, after birth there is a trigger that causes a second mutation in the genes. There is abundant evidence now that the immune system requires infection in the first few months of life, in order to be set up and function normally. If this does not happen, when the child is older and encounters an infection, that infection can then trigger the leukaemia. Infection early in life is good for you. It protects you.'
Professor Mel Greaves, lead researcher at the Institute of Cancer Research, London
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