CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) prognosis
After you’ve been diagnosed with CLL, you may want to know more about your prognosis (what may happen in the future).
CLL is a type of blood cancer that isn’t usually cured, but there’s a range of treatment options that can keep it under control in the long term.
Generally speaking, CLL progresses very slowly. It might progress more quickly in some people, who may need treating earlier. Other people don’t need treatment for some time after they’re diagnosed, and some never need treatment. Your own prognosis is individual to you.
Many people with CLL carry on with their lives – working, travelling, socialising, pursuing their hobbies – with a few restrictions or adjustments.
"While CLL is still incurable, researchers have made great progress and, for the first time, many experts are talking about the possibility of finding a cure in the future."
David, living with CLL since 1997
Read David's story about being treated on a clinical trial
Ask your healthcare team about your prognosis
We have general information about things that might affect your prognosis, but everyone is different. If you want to know about your personal prognosis, your hospital team or GP are the best people to ask. They know you and your individual situation.
Find out more about blood cancer research
Read about the research we're funding into leukaemia and other types of blood cancer. You may also want to sign up for our regular email newsletter for news about our research, campaigns, personal stories and more.