Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

If you’re affected by chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is CML?

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a blood cancer that develops when the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells.

Symptoms

Learn about the common symptoms of CML and when to see your doctor.

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For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Getting diagnosed

Find out about the tests for CML, how it is diagnosed and staged, and who will provide your care.

Treating CML

Everyone with CML will receive treatment, regardless of the disease phase at diagnosis. The treatment type depends on the leukemia's progression and your overall health.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, what happens if the cancer returns, and how to look after your physical and mental health.

Questions for your doctorAsking your doctor questions will help you make informed decisions. Here's a list of questions you may want to ask.

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Diagnosis

What type of chronic leukaemia do I have?
Are the latest tests and treatments for this type of leukaemia available in this hospital?
Will a multidisciplinary team be involved in my care?
Are there clinical guidelines for this type of leukaemia?

Treatment

What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
How long do I have to make a decision?
I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
How will we know if the treatment is working?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
Will the treatment affect my sex life and fertility?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

After treatment

How often will I need check-ups after treatment or while I am taking long-term TKIs?
If the leukaemia returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?

Learn about chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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This information was last updated in July 2024. See who reviewed this content.

Dr Chun Kei Kris Ma, Clinical Haematologist, Western Sydney Local Health District (clinical update); Delphine Eggen, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Karl A Jobburn, Haematology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Liverpool Hospital; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Hospital; Jennifer Paton, Consumer.

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