Experiences with
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)Symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) can include feeling tired, bleeding or bruising easily, looking paler than usual and getting ill a lot.
Tests to check for chronic myeloid leukaemia include blood tests and taking a sample of your bone marrow (biopsy) for testing.
Treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) may include targeted medicines, chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant.
It's not clear what causes chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). You may be more likely to get it if you're aged 65 or older.
Main symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are not always obvious and can be similar to other conditions.
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages.
If you do have symptoms, they can include:
- feeling tired or weak
- bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
- looking more pale than usual – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or insides of your eyelids
- getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
- swollen glands, usually in the neck, armpits and groin
- aches and pains in your bones
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full
- night sweats
- headaches
Less common symptoms include:
- blurred vision
- swollen or painful joints
- painful erections (priapism), or erections that do not go down
- you have symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia
- you have an erection that lasts more than 2 hours
An erection that lasts this long needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the penis.
Who is more likely to get chronic myeloid leukaemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is rare. It's not always clear what causes it.
Anyone can get it, but you may be more likely to get it if you're aged 65 or over.
Main tests for chronic myeloid leukaemia
If the GP refers you to a specialist (haematologist), you may need some tests to check for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Tests may include:
- blood tests
- taking a small sample from the bone marrow using a needle (biopsy), to be checked for cancer
If you have a bone marrow biopsy, you'll usually have a local anaesthetic to stop you feeling any pain. You may also be given medicine to help you relax (sedation).
Main treatments for chronic myeloid leukaemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) usually develops very slowly. You may not need treatment straight away.
Treatment will depend on:
- the phase (or stage) of your CML
- your age
- your general health
It will usually include targeted cancer medicines. You may also be offered chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant.
Treatments to prevent and manage symptoms (called supportive treatments) will also be offered.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan
- help manage any side effects
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Where to find help and support
You and your loved ones will be supported throughout the treatment by a group of specialists.
The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.
There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Blood Cancer UK
Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.
- Website: www.bloodcancer.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 208 0888
- Blood Cancer UK: support for you
- Blood Cancer UK: online community forum
Leukaemia Care
Information and support for anyone affected by leukaemia.
- Website: www.leukaemiacare.org.uk
- Helpline: 08088 010 444
- Leukaemia Care: support if you've just been diagnosed with leukaemia
- Leukaemia Care: HealthUnlocked online forum
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
- Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 808 0000
- Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
- Macmillan Cancer Support: online forum
- Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services
Cancer Research UK
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
- Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
- Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
- Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
- Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
- Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service
Marie Curie
Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.
- Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
- Helpline: 0800 090 2309
- Marie Curie: patient services
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