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What is acute myeloid leukaemia?

  • Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
  • It usually develops quickly and needs to be treated straight away.
  • Acute myeloid leukaemia can be diagnosed at any age, but the risk of getting it increases with age.
  • How serious it is depends on the type of acute myeloid leukaemia you have, your age and your general health.

Page last reviewed: 9 September 2026
Next review due: 9 September 2029

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