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0808 2080 888

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Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that affects a group of white blood cells known as myeloid cells. Most people with CML can live a normal life with treatment.

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What is CML?

CML is a slow-growing form of leukaemia affecting a group of cells called myeloid cells. You can find out more about it on this page.
Katie, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), standing outside wearing a hat smiling at the camera with a blurred background.

Prognosis for CML

Most people with CML can live a normal life with treatment. Your doctor can tell you more about your prognosis (what's likely to happen in future).
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CML symptoms and tests

Some people with CML will notice symptoms, but others won't. Read more about what you might experience and what tests you'll need to have.
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Treatment and side effects of CML

The majority of people with CML will take a daily tablet, called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). We have more information about TKIs, other treatment you might need, and side effects you may experience.
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Looking after yourself with CML

Finding out you have CML can be hard, but there is lots of support available to make things easier for yourself and your loved ones.
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Blood cancer stories

Read stories from people who have been diagnosed with blood cancer, including CML. Find out how they coped with diagnosis, treatment, side effects and more.

This information about CML is accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.

Last full review October 2024. Next full review due October 2027. We may make factual updates to this information in between reviews.

We would like to thank Consultant Haematologists Dr Andrew McGregor and Dr Gillian Horne for checking the medical accuracy of our CML information, and Clinical Nurse Specialists Hayley Gleadhill and Maddie Ward for their advice and support. Thank you also to Andy, Maggie, Sophie, Morris, Katie and Kate for supporting this project and sharing their experience of living with CML.