What is strongly correlated with the mean radiation dose received by active bone marrow?

The mean radiation dose received by active bone marrow is strongly correlated with leukemia because bone marrow is the primary site of blood cell production, which includes the cells that develop into white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes. Radiation exposure can cause damage to the DNA within these cells, increasing the risk of mutations and leading to carcinogenesis.

The association between radiation exposure and increased incidence of leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has been well-documented in studies involving atomic bomb survivors and other populations exposed to high levels of radiation. The sensitivity of bone marrow to radiation is significant since it contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are essential for producing various blood cells. Therefore, as the radiation dose to bone marrow increases, the risk of developing leukemia also rises, establishing a clear correlation between the two.

In contrast, while cataracts, genetic effects, and breast cancer are associated with radiation exposure, they do not have the same direct and strong correlation with the mean radiation dose received by active bone marrow as leukemia does. Cataracts typically form in the lens of the eye and are associated with different radiation-related mechanisms. Genetic effects are related to mutations passed on to future generations rather than directly correlating with the radiation dose to bone