The average age of onset forchronic lymphocytic leukemiais 70.
CLL starts in one of the types of white blood cells found in thebone marrow.
White blood cells are an integral part of your immune system.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
They help you stave off infection and disease.
CLL is uncommon in people under the age of 40.
Men are slightly more likely to get this condition than women.
This article will discuss survival rates and what you might expect if you have this condition.
These blood cells crowd out healthy white blood cells, as well as red blood cells and platelets.
CLL is a slow-growing cancer that spreads from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
People with CLL may not have any symptoms for years.
Factors That Influence Outlook
No two people are alike.
Your CLL prognosis will vary from that of other people with this condition.
Diagnosis of CLL
CLL symptoms may not surface for years.
They can also indicate many other conditions.
Even so, its important to let your doctor know if you have any CLL symptoms.
This can help streamline your diagnosis.
Theyll also take a medical history that includes information about your familys history of this disease.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that CLL can result from exposure to this toxin.
There is no screening test currently in place for CLL.
Your doctor may first suspect you have CLL from routine blood test results.
People with CLL have too many lymphocytes in their blood.
Lymphocytes are a jot down of white blood cell.
Having more than 5,000 lymphocytes per cubic millimeter of blood strongly indicates CLL.
Another indicator is that your blood may also contain too few red blood cells and platelets.
If CLL is suspected, your doctor will order additional diagnostic tests.
These include:
CLL Staging
Staging can help your doctor determine CLL prognosis and spread.
It can also determine which treatments will be most effective.
There are two different systems used for staging CLL.
Treatments are designed to help you manage symptoms, plus slow down the progression of the disease.
Watchful waiting entails observation without starting treatment.
Watchful waiting is not a passive treatment.
During the watch-and-wait period, youll see your doctor regularly for examinations and blood draws.
Chemotherapy:Chemotherapyfights cancer with drugs that are taken orally or intravenously.
Chemo drugs used to treat CLL include corticosteroids, alkylating agents, and purine analogs.
They are given intravenously.
Several types of monoclonal antibodies are used to combat CLL.
Chemotherapy, combined with monoclonal antibody treatment, is a standard protocol used for fighting this disease.
Radiation: Radiation destroys or shrinks cancer cells in a specific, pinpointed location.
Since CLL doesnt usually cause tumors, it is not a standard therapy for this condition.
Astem cell transplantuses immature cells called stem cells to replace cancerous bone marrow.
Is a Cure for CLL in Sight?
There is currently no cure on the horizon for CLL.
Research is ongoing and continues to prolong survival and improve the quality of life for people with this condition.
People with early-stage disease who are watching and waiting may find it stressful to not pursue treatment.
Those with later-stage disease may have uncomfortable side effects from CLL and its treatments.
Dealing with an incurable illness is never easy.
These strategies may help:
Speak Out
Be an advocate for your own care.
This may be especially important if your condition or treatment protocol changes.
give a shot to find the balance.
Remember also to leave time for other important things, including family, friends, and interests.
Stay Active
CLL may cause fatigue.
Thats to be expected.
Whenever possible, make a run at exercise and stay active.
Go at a pace that is comfortable for you.
When possible, enroll a friend or exercise buddy to tag along.
Engage in Self-Care
Self-care is more than just a catchphrase.
Its a strategy that can help you find strength, enjoy life, and support health.
Self-care will vary for different people.
For you, it may include pursuing meditation and yoga or eating healthy, organic food.
Making time for activities you enjoy and feel nurtured by has no downside.
Summary
CLL is a slow-growing cancer.
It is possible to have this condition for many years before you kick off to show symptoms.
The prognosis for CLL is much higher than for many other types of cancer.
However, there is currently no cure for this disease.
It can be overwhelming to learn you have an incurable condition.
It may sound cliche, but incurable and untreatable are not the same thing.
There are many highly effective treatments that improve survival rates and quality of life for people with CLL.
Its also important to remember that CLL survival rates are higher than those for many other types of cancer.
No matter what the future brings, try not to go through it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 10-year survival rate for CLL is approximately 64.7%.
Survival rates are lower for people over 75.
CLL is not curable.
However, it is possible to live for 10 years or more after diagnosis.
CLL is a disease that usually impacts older adults.
Survival rates are estimates, based on large numbers of people.
Data doesnt currently indicate that a 20-year survival rate is common or likely with CLL.
However, hope is always possible.
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