This year, an estimated 14,590 people of all ages (7,820 men and boys and 6,770 women and girls) in the United States will be diagnosed with AML. AML is the second most common type of leukemia diagnosed in adults. An estimated 10,370 deaths (5,930 men and boys and 4,440 women and girls) from AML will occur this year.

The five-year survival rate (percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) of people with AML is approximately 25%. However, it is important to note that survival depends on several factors, including biologic features of the disease and, in particular, a patient’s age (see Subtypes [2] for more information). Although AML is a serious disease, it is treatable and often curable with chemotherapy (see Treatment [3]).

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 AML. Because the survival statistics are measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer. Learn more about understanding statistics [4].

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

Last Updated: February 6, 2013