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United Kingdom: About leukemia

In the United Kingdom, leukaemia is relatively rare but well studied, with wide charity support.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, the islands’ outline with glowing cells.
Figure 1.Map of Britain — United Kingdom: About leukemia

01Short answer

The main types of leukaemia (ALL, AML, CML and CLL) all occur here; CLL is more common in older people and ALL in children. Statistics are published by Cancer Research UK and national registries. Reliable organisations such as Blood Cancer UK, Leukaemia Care and Macmillan Cancer Support give patients free information and support.

02Simple explanation

Four main types: ALL, AML, CML, CLL.

Charities: free support.

NHS: treatment.

03Scientific explanation

Statistics: GLOBOCAN and Cancer Research UK publish national figures.

Research: the UK runs many national clinical trials in blood cancer.

04What happens in the body?

About the disease

Leukaemia is uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow; the type guides treatment.

On a dark navy background, a marrow cross-section.
Figure 2.Bone marrow — United Kingdom: About leukemia

Support network

Charities offer phone lines and online communities.

On a dark navy background, a web of lights.
Figure 3.Support network — United Kingdom: About leukemia

Where to start

The first step is usually a talk with your GP.

05Getting started

Four steps.

Know the type — Ask the name of the diagnosis.1Know the typeAsk the name of the diagnosis.
Source — CRUK, Blood Cancer UK.2SourceCRUK, Blood Cancer UK.
GP — First contact.3GPFirst contact.
Charity — Support line.4CharitySupport line.
ClarityType and plan are known.
SupportYou are not alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
About the diseaseLeukaemia is uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow; the type guides treatment.
Support networkCharities offer phone lines and online communities.
Where to startThe first step is usually a talk with your GP.

07Key terms

GP
General practitioner.
NHS
National Health Service.
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Charity
Charity.

08Key points

  • Learn the type.
  • Choose a reliable source.
  • Start with your GP.
  • Write down questions.
  • Call a support line.

09Frequently asked questions

Is leukaemia common?

It is relatively rare; figures are on the Cancer Research UK website.

Do charity services cost money?

Core information and support lines are usually free.

Whom can I trust?

Official and patient organisations, and your own team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is leukaemia common?

  2. Do charity services cost money?

  3. Whom can I trust?

My questions

12Sources

  1. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: United Kingdom fact sheet
  2. Cancer Research UK. Leukaemia
  3. Blood Cancer UK. Official website
  4. Leukaemia Care. Official website
  5. Macmillan Cancer Support. Official website
  6. HealthCare.gov (U.S. Government). Official website
  7. Medicare.gov (U.S. Government). Official website
  8. HealthCare.gov. Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  9. American Society of Hematology (ASH). Official website
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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