Risk factors

Although the cause of myelofibrosis often isn't known, certain factors are known to increase your risk:

• Age. Myelofibrosis can affect anyone, but it's most often diagnosed in people older than 50.
• Another blood cell disorder. A small portion of people with myelofibrosis develop the condition as a complication of essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera.
• Exposure to certain chemicals. Myelofibrosis has been linked to exposure to industrial chemicals such as toluene and benzene.
• Exposure to radiation. People exposed to very high levels of radiation have an increased risk of myelofibrosis.