Some people will have treatable but not curable cancer from the moment they are diagnosed. Others develop it if their cancer progresses or comes back. You may hear some of these cancers described as advanced or incurable.
While not curable, these cancers are generally considered treatable if treatments are available that could be used to slow the progression of the cancer and help people to manage their symptoms.
Advances in treatment and care mean people can now live for several years with treatable but not curable cancer. Some people will live for many years. In some cases, it may at times feel like living with a long-term condition such as multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes.
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What kind of support do people need?
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 campaigningto make sure there are enough staff with the right skills to give people the support they need.
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Types of treatable but not curable cancer
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 typeshas information about cancer, diagnosis, treatment and support.
