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Pat59 - diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythaemia in 2018. My hospital doesn't consider ET a cancer, even though WHO does. Why would this be?

PatL59
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Hi, I was first diagnosed with ET in 2018 and started Hydroxycarbamide. I attend a hospital in Glasgow although I am cared for under Haematology not Oncology. I've been told that the hospital does not consider ET as a Cancer. My question is, "Why would a centre of excellence in Cancer care say ET is not Cancer when the WHO says it is?"

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    Hi PatL59, 

    I am not familiar myself as to whether ET normally falls under the umbrella of haematology rather than oncology and why you were told that the hospital does not consider ET cancer. Don't hesitate to ask your specialist/ medical team to explain to you exactly what they mean by that. We have a page on our website which is dedicated to essential thrombocythaemia  describing it as "a rare blood cancer that causes a high number of blood cells called platelets to form" and on our page on what is essential thrombocythaemia it does indeed mention what you said that "the World Health Organisation (WHO) classes all myeloproliferative neoplasms as blood cancers". I am not sure how hospitals decide on their categorisations but the most important thing is that you are looked after well and receive the right treatment and I hope that it is all well monitored. 

    Perhaps you could also give our cancer nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 and they might be able to enlighten you further on this question. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    It would be interesting too to hear from the experiences of other members of our community who have been diagnosed with ET.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thanks for your reply. My Platelet count is elevated at present and my Hydroxycarbamide has been increased,  but I do feel well although quite tired.  am well looked after by my specialist Nurse Ruth and can contact her if I have any concerns which is always reassuring.  Thanks again, Pat

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