This year, an estimated 5,920 people of all ages (3,420 men and boys and 2,500 women and girls) in the United States will be diagnosed with CML. Most of these will be adults; CML is rare in children. It is estimated that 610 deaths (340 men and boys and 270 women and girls) will occur this year.

The five-year survival rate (the percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) for people with CML depends on the phase of the disease, other biologic characteristics of the CML, and the disease’s response to treatment. It is important to note that dramatic improvements in treatment for this type of leukemia have increased the five-year survival rate for CML from 31% for people diagnosed between 1990 and 1992 to 56% for those diagnosed between 2002 and 2008.

Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with CML. Because survival statistics are measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent recent significant advances made in the treatment and diagnosis of CML. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts and Figures 2013.

Last Updated: February 6, 2013