Childhood Leukaemia, Environmental Triggers, and a Mother's Advice

As Alba approaches five years of being chemo-free, which will finally gain her complete remission status, I find myself reflecting on her remarkable journey through Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and the invaluable lessons it has taught me as a mother.

"With awareness, there is hope. Spread the word."

A question I’ve often asked myself (and been asked by others) is, “Why?” Why Alba? Why my child?

When my second child, Beth, was born five years ago, I couldn’t help but worry about how to prevent such an awful disease from being triggered again. Alba, who was then just beginning to understand her journey, made a heartfelt wish on a chicken wishbone: she wished for her sister’s health, saying she never wanted her to go through what she had endured.

Thankfully, while leukaemia is a genetic condition, in most cases like Alba’s, it is not hereditary.

The Role of Early Exposure to Germs

I was extremely cautious with Alba as a baby; always sanitary and careful. She wasn’t around other children until she started preschool at 18 months. With Beth, I knew I wanted to take a different approach.

A few months after Alba’s Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia diagnosis on 27th December 2018, research published by Professor Mel Greaves at The Institute of Cancer Research confirmed the factors that can trigger leukaemia.

Some children are predisposed to leukaemia, but only 1% of them develop the disease.

Interestingly, more children in affluent societies are diagnosed with ALL, with cases rising by 1% each year.

Professor Greaves’ findings suggest that a “lack of microbial exposure early in life resulting in immune system malfunction” is a key factor. In simpler terms, children who aren’t exposed to enough common bugs in their first year might develop immune systems that are not properly primed.

The second trigger involves an infection: if an unprimed immune system encounters a severe infection, it can malfunction, allowing leukaemia cells to grow.

By the time Beth was a few months old, I was mindful of these findings. While I was careful with her in those early months when her immune system was still developing, I also made sure she could “roll around in the mud,” so to speak, as she grew older, and as much as Covid times would allow... playing, exploring, and mixing with other children.

The Link Between Chemicals and Leukaemia

Another possible factor for leukaemia is exposure to chemicals and toxins.

You may know I’m a passionate advocate for reducing plastic pollution. Plastics aren’t just suffocating our oceans and harming marine life; they’re also linked to a range of human health issues.

One chemical, styrene, is particularly concerning. Used in manufacturing plastics like polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam), it is suspected to be carcinogenic, with leukaemia being one of the cancers linked to it.

Here’s why it’s worrying: when hot food or liquids come into contact with polystyrene, the material can break down, releasing toxins that may enter our bodies. The same chemical is also found in cigarettes, adding to the dangers of secondhand smoke for children.

Recent research from International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University published in an article by The Guardian highlights a troubling rise in cancer diagnoses among those under 50, with environmental factors like ultra-processed foods and "forever chemicals" playing a significant role. This echoes findings about childhood leukaemia triggers, where harmful toxins, including those found in plastics, disrupt both human and environmental health. The health of our oceans, filled with microplastics and chemical pollutants, is inextricably linked to our own well-being.

Through this journey, I’ve become more convinced of the impact our environment has on our health. My advocacy for reducing harmful plastics is, of course, centred on protecting the planet, but all while safeguarding the health of future generations.

Committed to a Better Future

Five years on, I remain committed to making informed choices for my family’s health and raising awareness about these issues. Here are actions that I believe can make a difference:

• Encourage outdoor play and exposure to nature: Let your kids play in the dirt, explore, and interact with other children to naturally build their immune systems.
• Adopt a balanced approach to hygiene: Cleanliness is important, but avoiding over-sanitisation is equally crucial for a healthy immune system.
• Choose fresh and local food options: Reduce your reliance on packaged foods, especially those in Styrofoam or other plastic containers.
• Avoid harmful plastics: Opt for reusable glass or stainless steel containers for food and drink. Say no to single-use plastics whenever possible.
• Be mindful of chemical exposure: Use natural cleaning products, avoiding synthetic options, which often contain toxic chemicals.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke: Cigarettes and tobacco smoke contain numerous carcinogens, including styrene, which is harmful to children and adults alike.
• Advocate for systemic change: Support initiatives and legislation that aim to reduce plastic pollution, improve air quality in your community, and enforce better regulation of harmful chemicals in food packaging.

By making small, intentional changes, we can collectively create a healthier world for our children and future generations.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Alba is coming up to a huge milestone: five years chemo-free!

On March 16, 2025, Alba will officially be in complete remission.

This is a day we’ve long waited for, and it fills me with gratitude, hope, and pride in her resilience and strength.

As we look forward to this special moment, I am reminded of how far we’ve come, the importance of raising awareness about childhood leukaemia, and how we can reduce the risk factors.

This milestone is a testament to her bravery and the power of awareness, advocacy, and change, not just for her, but for all children facing similar battles. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope it inspires you to spread the word and take action in your own way.

For more about Professor Greaves’ research, read here:

1. A causal mechanism for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
2. CNN 's article: A germ-free childhood could trigger leukemia, scientist suggests

Read The Guardian's article: Ultra-processed food? Forever chemicals? Declining birth rates? What’s behind rising cancer in the under-50s?

Follow my campaign, Keep Fin Alive, for tips on reducing plastic use: https://www.facebook.com/KeepFinAlive/.