A network of hope and strength: Living with CML

The entire Chronic Myeloid Leukemia community comes together every September 22 to raise awareness on this rare blood disease that represents 15-20% of all leukemia in adults and the needs of patients around the world. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC).

CML patients have very different access to effective and safe treatment worldwide but the whole CML community call to have not just treatment but also get a cure through the 2017 World CML Day motto: "Today, Together: Today, together we are treated. Tomorrow, we need cure!"

Prof-Dr Syed Akram Hussain, Hematologist of Square Hospitals Limited (SHL) said that we need to place emphasis on raising awareness about one life changing reality – living with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and combat stigma by raising the voices of those facing this cancer.

Dr. Ebna Habib Md. Shofiur Rahaman, President of Bangladesh CML Support Group (who has been living with CML for 15 years) said that our challenges are manifold, such as access to high quality therapies and diagnostics, treatment according to expert recommendations, adherence to therapy, effective side effect management, and development of a cure can only be tackled in partnership between patients, healthcare providers and researchers. He also added that especially here in Bangladesh, our key concerns are that access to treatment for the poorest patients and CML maintenance after treatment.

The members of Bangladesh CML Support Group meet physicians, nurses, patients and caregivers for marking the world CML day every year in Bangladesh.