How Long Will I Live with Leukemia?

When you or someone you know is diagnosed with leukemia, it's normal to wonder what life expectancy looks like with this type of blood cancer. Learn more about what type of prognosis you can expect with your diagnosis. 

Understanding Leukemia Prognosis

The prognosis for leukemia can vary significantly based on the type of leukemia and several other factors. On average, the 5-year survival rate for all types of leukemia is 61.4%. However, these rates are averages and may not accurately predict an individual’s outcome. Many people live well beyond these averages.

Life Expectancy Statistics for Leukemia

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rates for different types of leukemia are:

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): 83.2%
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): 68.9%
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): 68.2% for children and 24.5% for adults
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): 27.4% overall; 5.2% for individuals over age 65

These statistics are based on large groups of patients and may not reflect individual outcomes. Many factors can influence a person’s prognosis.

Factors Influencing Leukemia Prognosis

Several factors can affect the prognosis for someone with leukemia, including:

• Type of Leukemia: Different types of leukemia vary in aggressiveness and response to treatment.
• Stage of the Disease: Early detection and prompt treatment generally improve prognosis.
• Age and Overall Health: Younger, healthier individuals often have a better outlook.
• Genetic Mutations: Certain genetic mutations can affect how aggressive the leukemia is and how it responds to treatment.
• Response to Treatment: Those who respond well to treatment often have a better prognosis.

Remember, these are general factors and each case is unique. Your healthcare provider or oncologist can offer more specific insights into your prognosis.

Seeking Expert Care

For personalized information about your prognosis, having a leukemia specialist is invaluable. Visit HealthTree’s Leukemia Specialist Directory to find an expert near you. 

Specialist Directory

Further Resources

Looking for trustworthy information on AML or CLL? Join our HealthTree community! We offer up-to-date news, interviews with specialists, and informative webinars for patients and care partners. Connect with others and learn more at:

• HealthTree for AML
• HealthTree for CLL

Living with CML or ALL? We're working on expanding our support to you soon. Stay tuned!