Myelofibrosis (MF)
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a slow-growing (chronic) type of blood cancer. It's one of a group of blood cancers known as MPNs, or myeloproliferative neoplasms.
What is myelofibrosis?
Myelofibrosis (MF) causes scarring (fibrosis) in your bone marrow which can stop blood cells being produced normally.
Prognosis for MF
Read about the general prognosis for myelofibrosis (what may happen in the future), but remember that your prognosis is individual to you.
Symptoms of MF
The symptoms of myelofibrosis vary depending on what is happening in the bone marrow (the spongy material inside our larger bones where blood cells are made).
Tests for MF
You'll need some tests to check whether you have myelofibrosis. If you get a diagnosis, you'll have regular tests at your check-ups.
Active monitoring (watch and wait)
Some people with myelofibrosis don’t need treatment straight away. Some don’t have treatment for months or even years.
Treatment and side effects
Your hospital team will recommend the best treatment for you and help if you have any side effects from your treatment.
Looking after yourself
There is nothing you could have done to stop yourself getting MF, but there are things you can do to feel better, mentally and physically
Living well with MF
When you're ready, read our information about living well with any type of blood cancer, including stories about what works for other people.
Looking for printed information?
Order free copies of our myelofibrosis booklet for you, your family and friends, including tips from people living with myelofibrosis.
"Understanding my diagnosis, risks and symptoms was the most important part, being able to read my body, notice changes and speak to my team for the best care. Not allowing this to limit my life."
Louise, living with MF since 2021
This information about MF is accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.
Last full review May 2024. Next full review due May 2027. We may make factual updates to the information between reviews.
We would like to thank Consultant Haematologists Dr Clare Kane and Dr Donal McLornan for checking the clinical accuracy of our myelofibrosis information, and Clinical Nurse Specialists Jodie Nightingill and Advanced Clinical Practitioner Maddie Ward for their guidance and support. Thank you also to David, Diana, Louise, Marilyn and Myke for supporting this project and sharing their experience of living with MF.