A 26-year-old member asked:
How long after being in remission with leukemia are you be considered cancer free?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Nogaanswered
Medical Oncology 35 years experience
Difficult question: Part of this depends on the type of leukemia: acute or chronic. The standard thought is 5 years for acute leukemia. However, the risk of relapse is significantly high in the first 2 years, so every year after this reduces the risk of recurrence significantly if you are followed closely by your oncologist.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Keith Stockerl-Goldsteinanswered
Hematology and Oncology 31 years experience
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
What's the difference between being cancer-free and in remission?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Devon Websteranswered
Medical Oncology 23 years experience
They're the same: Different doctors use different terms to mean different things, but if you are cancer-free you are in remission. If there is little to no chance your cancer will come back, you might be considered "cured". Ask your oncologist what he or she means when using these terms!
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 30, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.