Treatable but not curable cancer

People with treatable but not curable cancer may need a great deal of emotional, physical and financial support. Most have times when they need repeated tests, procedures, treatments and hospital appointments. Many face uncertainty every day and have specific needs that can change over time, such as what kind of information they need about their cancer.

If you have treatable but not curable cancer, Macmillan is right there with you to provide information and support. We’re also campaigning to make sure there are enough staff with the right skills to give people the support they need.

Macmillan worked with a group of clinical experts to categorise certain types of cancer as treatable but not curable. Doctors generally agree that, with current standard treatment, curing these cancer types is very unlikely.

However, we know everyone with cancer is different. If you have a cancer type listed below, but are not sure if it means your cancer is treatable but not curable, please speak to one of the health professionals involved in your care. 

You can also call our free Support Line, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on 0808 808 00 00.

Types of treatable but not curable cancer

• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
• Chronic myeloid leukaemia
• Myeloma
• Pleural mesothelioma
• Secondary brain tumours
• Secondary breast cancer
• Secondary bone cancer
• Secondary liver cancer
• Secondary lung cancer

Some people develop treatable but not curable cancer if they have a different type of cancer (not listed above) that progresses or comes back.

If you're looking for information about a cancer not shown above, our list of cancer types has information about cancer, diagnosis, treatment and support.