CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

CHRONIC myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and tends to progress very slowly over many years. About 760 people are diagnosed with the lifethreatening condition in the UK each year. Although it can be diagnosed at any age, it’s more common in people aged over 60 and affects more men than women.

Advances in treatment have greatly improved the outlook for anyone diagnosed. Twenty years ago, the average survival rate for anyone with CML was three to five years. Now, the charity CML Support say the majority of patients enjoy a normal life span thanks to a new class of –anti-cancer drugs.

If left untreated or if a person stops responding to treatments, then the disease will transform into a more acute form of leukaemia.