Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of CML
CML develops very slowly so there may be no symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptoms of CML include:
- Tiredness and looking pale
- Getting infections more often and recovering more slowly from infections
- Weight loss/loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Anaemia (fewer red blood cells)
- Night sweats and fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone pain
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Headaches
- Sight changes
- Swelling of your spleen and/or tenderness on the left side of your abdomen, caused by an enlarged spleen
Treatment is usually very effective at keeping the symptoms of CML under control.
All these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to go to the GP and get any unusual changes checked out.
Can I be screened for chronic myeloid leukaemia?
Testing for CML when you have no symptoms is called screening. There is no leukaemia screening programme. This is because there have been no tests proven to help predict leukaemia.
If you are worried about leukaemia, contact your family doctor (GP).
Continue reading about chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Talk to a Cancer Nurse
Support Line
Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Our Daffodil Centres
Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
