Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

CML affects about 60 people in Ireland each year. It is more common in men than women.*

Detecting cancer early

Signs and symptoms

Learn about the signs and symptoms of CML. You are more likely to survive cancer if you find it at an earlier stage. 

Treatments

Treatments

There are a number of different treatments available for CML. Your medical team will explain the best treatment options for you. 

What is chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)?

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a slow-growing type of leukaemia (cancer of the blood) that affects a group of blood cells known as myeloid cells. Myeloid cells include a type of white blood cell known as granulocytes. With CML, the body makes too many granulocytes. These fill up the bone marrow, preventing normal blood cells from being made. This can leave you more at risk of infection or feeling tired and weak. How CML affects you depends on which phase it is in.

With the right medication, many people with CML have no symptoms and can lead a normal life.

Medical content updated from our 'Understanding chronic myeloid leukaemia cancer' booklet (2024), reviewed by Dr Yizel Paz Nunez, Consultant Haematologist, Joan McGrory, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Sinead Power, Daffodil Centre Nurse.


Continue reading about Chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CML)

Read next Signs and symptoms of chronic lymphatic leukemia (CML)

Publications about chronic myeloid leukaemia CML

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Booklet 65 pages 8.81 MB
Information for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients, including treatment and tips on living with a blood cancer.

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*The Irish Cancer Society uses the most up-to-date cancer statistics from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, available on www.ncri.ie