Wondering

[cannonfire]

I have read that JAK 2 is caused by trauma or exposure to ionizing radiation. In 2011 I totaled my harley ( it was a sad day). Spent months incapacitated. I also have been a cat scan/xray tech for almost 30 years. I don't think it's coincidental that I'm JAKD up and mutated I think these had something to do with it. Any other thoughts?

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Cannonfire, the advice we have in our ET/PV booklet is: What causes ET and PV - as time goes on we are learning more about ET and PV and their causes. While we do not know the exact cause, recent research has found that abut 50% of people who have ET and 97% of people who have PV have a change (mutation) in a protein that regulates blood cell production. This protein is known as JAK2 - short for Janus kinase 2 - and the mutation is known as JAK2 V617F. A smaller number of people have other recently discovered mutations. People are not born with these mutations but acquire them during their lives. It is also important to note that ET and PV are not inherited and are not passed on from parent to child, although some families do seem to develop the disease more readily than others. Finally, some researchers believe MPNs may also be triggered by past exposure to ionizing radiation (a type of radiation that has very high energy, like medical x-rays) or to some chemical substances such as benzene and toluene.

I hope this helps. Maz