Despite public misconceptions, Leukemia is treatable, says hematologist, with positive outlook improving patients' chances.

Axar.az reports citing AA that high morale and motivation contribute significantly to the treatment of Leukemia patients, an expert told.

Burhan Turgut, a hematologist in Turkey's northwestern Tekirdag province, said patients suffering from the disease should not be negative towards life and should stay strong.

"Leukemia is blood cancer that emerges after blood cells in the bone marrow deteriorate," he said.

"If the patient has high morale, we are generally successful [in treatment]. Relatives of patients also have important roles," he said, adding that family members should support patients and reassure them that they can beat the disease.

Turgut said the number of stem cell transplants -- critical for leukemia treatment -- carried out in Turkey was among the highest in Europe.

Stressing that morale and motivation were directly related with the human body's defense mechanism, he said: "Leukemia has a frightening name, that's a fact. But patients and their relatives must know that they should accurately follow doctors' instructions."

"As leukemia correlates with blood cells, the immune system needs to function efficiently. The higher the motivation and morale, the better the immune system operates," he said.