Getting diagnosed
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have leukaemia and who might have a more minor condition. Minor conditions are common and leukaemia is rare.
For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics. The important thing is to go back to your GP if you’re not getting better.
Your GP should arrange for you to have a blood test or to see a blood specialist if they think you might have acute leukaemia. You usually see a haematologist. This is a doctor that specialises in treating blood conditions. You will see a haematologist as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
Get information on the possible symptoms of AML
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. These vary slightly between the different UK nations. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement.
Some of the guidelines have targets around how quickly you are referred. For example, you might have blood tests within 2 days. Or you may see a specialist immediately (within a few hours).
These guidelines vary slightly between the different UK nations.
Your GP will consider any other symptoms that you are having, so do mention these. They might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing acute myeloid leukaemia.
Go to the risks and causes of AML
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP suspects you have leukaemia you generally have tests to see a specialist quite quickly. This is usually within a few hours or days. Ask your GP when you should get your appointment and contact them again if you don’t get one.
Some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral for leukaemia.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Find out about other cancer waiting times
Last reviewed: 10 Jan 2024
Next review due: 10 Jan 2027
AML is a type of blood cancer that starts from young white blood cells in the bone marrow. Find out how common it is and who might get it.
Symptoms of AML can include tiredness, breathlessness, high temperature, frequent infections, bruising or bleeding easily and others. Find out more.
We don’t know what causes most cases of acute myeloid leukaemia. But there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing it. Find out what some of these are.
Most people start by seeing their GP if they have symptoms of blood cancer such as leukaemia. Other people may go to accident and emergency (A and E) depending on their symptoms. Find out what to expect when you see a GP, when they refer you to an AML specialist and the tests you might have.
There are many different types of leukaemia and the treatment varies for each of them. Get information about the main types.
AML starts from young white blood cells called granulocytes or monocytes in the bone marrow. Find out about symptoms, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to cope.
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