27 Aug 2025

Dr Stewart Manning has diagnosed many people with leukaemia during his 40 year career.

Retired GP Dr Stewart Manning

Leukaemia broadly presents in two main forms. Acute leukaemias, such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), develop quickly, progress rapidly without treatment, and require urgent, intensive therapy. Chronic leukaemias, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), usually develop slowly over many years. Some people may not need treatment straight away, and occasionally never do, with doctors monitoring the disease closely until there are signs of progression or symptoms appear.

Retired GP Dr Stewart Manning has diagnosed many people with leukaemia during his 40-year career. This is how he knew that when he himself was diagnosed, he would not need immediate treatment and his prognosis was good.

“I’m on long term treatment for raised blood pressure and depression,” said Stewart, 75, who lives just outside Leeds. “This means I need an annual blood and urine test and it was through these in 2018 that it was noticed something was abnormal.

“I remember it quite clearly. The GP surgery receptionist rang me and said I needed to see the doctor. I asked her what was wrong and she said that the notes said ‘possible CLL’. And then told me she didn’t know what that meant! Of course I did. I went in the following week, had a more detailed blood test and was told I had abnormal beta lymphocytes.”

Stewart was sent to St James Hospital in Leeds.

“The haematology professor told me about the abnormality but still did not give me an official diagnosis as it was not yet that far advanced. He said I had a 1% chance per year of needing treatment and would most likely die of something else.

“I was put on a programme of monitoring blood tests and after one test in February 2020 I received a letter saying as I’d had abnormal beta lymphocytes for two years they were confirming diagnosis of B-Cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). It was terrible getting this in a letter – they really should have told me in person.”

As it was Covid time, Stewart immediately had to start shielding. However he was told he wouldn’t need any treatment – and has continued to this day to live with his condition without any medication.

“I don’t worry about it as I don’t feel it’s a big deal. It’s more practical than anything else. I have to have two Covid jabs a year and if I get suspected Covid I have a home test to send off. If it’s positive they send me back two specific anti-viral drugs. I have had to have all my measles, mumps and rubella jabs again as I didn’t have enough antibodies. I definitely feel I have a slightly abnormal immune system response. In February 2023 I had a very bad chest infection and my blood test showed my white cell count had gone through the roof, although three months later it had returned to my normal, if not ‘normal’.

“Leukaemia has touched my life before through other people. My best friend died of leukaemia aged 13, and so did my daughter’s best friend at the same age which brought it all back. And I had one patient who I diagnosed aged five. He went on to have a bone marrow transplant and recovered but sadly died of the long term effects of Graft vs Host Disease in his 20s. He was the bravest little boy I ever met, he never complained. Just before he died he sent me a note saying ‘Thankyou Dr Manning you’re one of the good guys’.”