Primary Polycythemia - Polycythemia Vera

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There is no known prevention for polycythemia vera.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

After diagnosis, most people with polycythemia vera live no more than 15 years with treatment. Without treatment, a person may only live a few years. This cancer increases the risk of life-threatening blood clots and bleeding. In some cases, polycythemia vera may transform into the more aggressive blood cancer leukemia.

What are the risks to others?

Polycythemia vera is not contagious, and poses no risk to others.