​Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer. In CML, there is increase generation of immature white blood cells as a result of the acquisition of an abnormal chromosome called the Phildelphia chromosome.  This results in the abnormal gene mutation called BCR-ABL. CML is a slow glowing leukaemia and most patients are diagnosed at this chronic phase. Rarely, some patients may have a faster progressive form  and are diagnosed at later stages called accelerated or blast phase where the leukemia transforms into  acute leukemia. 

​Patients with CML may have limited and mild symptoms. It is often that it is detected incidentally on routine blood test. 

​At present there is no routine screening for CML.

Individuals should seek medical attention if they have any of the above symptoms.

​CML occurs in the presence of Philadelphia chromosomes resulting in a BCR-ABL gene mutation in genes which is involved in the regulation of blood cell production. The cause of the gene mutation is unknown and is usually not an inheritable mutation. 

​With targeted therapy, CML has become a very treatable condition for many patients with the disease.