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Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a slow-growing blood cancer where your body makes too many red blood cells. It's one of a group of blood cancers known as MPNs, or myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Order your free booklet about PV.

Funding information

The following pharmaceutical companies and charitable organisations helped fund this information, but had no influence over it: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Incyte, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Kyowa Kirin, Roche, Sobi UK, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Steel Charitable Trust and The Grace Trust.

Find out how we work with the pharmaceutical industry.

Jacqui and her husband walking on the beach on a sunny autumn day.

What is PV?

PV makes your blood thicker than than normal and raises your risk of developing blood clots, but treatment can lower this risk.
A man looking away from the camera, deep in thought

Finding out you have PV

It's never easy to hear the word cancer, but we can support you. Sign up to our weekly support email if you have recently been diagnosed.
Two older male friends out walking by a river in a town.

Prognosis for PV

PV can't be cured but it can be treated effectively. Treatment can help control symptoms so you can get on with your life.
Woman lying on sofa looking tired.

Symptoms of PV

It's important to know about the effects of PV, but you won't have all the possible symptoms. You may not have any at all.
A researcher wearing a facemask inspects a vial of blood on a table with other vials.

Tests for PV

You will need tests to diagnose PV, then to monitor the PV and help your doctor decide on the best treatment.
Close-up of pills being emptied from a plastic container into a hand.

PV treatment and side effects

Treatment aims to control the number of red blood cells in your blood. If it causes side effects, your hospital team will help you manage them.
A family preparing a meal together

Looking after yourself

Lifestyle doesn't cause PV, but there are things you can do which might help you feel better, mentally and physically.
Derek, who is in remission for blood cancer, walks along a street in a modern housing estate with their black and white springer spaniel dog.

Living well with PV

When you're ready, read our information about living well with any type of blood cancer, including stories from people who've been through it themselves.

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

Last full review September 2023. Next full review due September 2026. We may make factual updates to the information between reviews.

We would like to thank Consultant Haematologists Clare Kane and Mallika Sekhar for checking the medical content of our PV information, and Clinical Nurse Specialists Jodie Nightingill and Madeleine Ward for their guidance and support. Thank you also to Alex, Jacqui, Jeremy and Vij for supporting this project and sharing their experience of living with PV.