Hello, I was diagnosed with PV in Jan 2023. Taking Hydroxyurea just 3X a week currently with little side effects. While taking it daily it affected me differently. I get a phlebotomy about every 8-9 weeks. My doctor does state it is a blood cancer and if you Google it, it will be defined as such. I would think health care facilities know this? It is very rare and many physicians are not even aware of what it is sadly. Good luck!