Prognosis for ET

ET is a lifelong (chronic) condition and people with ET are expected to live a normal lifespan.

Treatment can’t cure ET, but it aims to protect you from the problems it can cause, like heart attack and stroke. It also aims to control any symptoms you may have.

Everyone is different, and your personal experience of ET will depend on a lot of things – your age, your life stage, your symptoms, your treatment and other health conditions you’re living with.

Talk to your hospital team about what’s likely to happen in the future (your prognosis). They can help you decide how best to adapt to your new situation, depending on your individual circumstances and what’s most important to you.

There is a known risk of ET developing into another blood cancer. This risk is low for everyone, but there is some evidence that it increases the longer you have ET. If you have been diagnosed with ET at a younger age, this is understandably worrying.

Talk to your hospital team if you are concerned about this or anything else about your prognosis – they may be able to reassure you. If you think you would benefit from counselling or psychological support, they can refer you. Or you may be able to refer yourself.

Our Support Service and online community forum are also good places to find emotional support and understanding.

Many people find hope in the knowledge that scientists are researching better and kinder treatments for ET and other MPNs. Read more about our research.