Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rare type of cancer. AML is also sometimes known as acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL).
Around 2,000 adults are diagnosed with AML each year in the UK. AML can affect people at any age, but is more common in people over 65.
Normally, blood cells are made in the bone marrow| in an orderly and controlled way. In AML, this process gets out of control and many abnormal leukaemia cells are made. These immature cells aren’t able to develop into normal functioning blood cells. They are sometimes called blast cells.
AML is an overproduction of an early myeloid cell. In most types of AML the leukaemia cells are immature white cells. But, in some less common types of AML, too many immature platelets or immature red blood cells are made.
The immature cells fill up the bone marrow, taking up space that’s needed to make normal blood cells. Some leukaemia cells ‘spill over’ into the blood and circulate around the body in the bloodstream. These leukaemia cells don’t mature, and so don’t work properly. This leads to an increased risk of infection as well as symptoms such as anaemia and bruising caused by fewer healthy red blood cells and platelets being made.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.