MDS expert, Dr Stephen Nimer, explains that with a few exceptions, the exact causes of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are unknown. Some factors may increase the risk of developing MDS, including: certain genetic changes, previous chemotherapy, exposure to high dose radiation, and long-term exposure to certain chemicals. MDS happens when something affects the bone marrow cells, changing the DNA’s instructions for making blood cells, but doctors don’t know exactly what affects the cells to cause MDS in a particular person at a particular time.

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