The Leukaemia Foundation is today calling for urgent action revealing blood cancer is set to become Australia's most common and deadly cancer within a decade[i] unless we act now.
Fuelling the issue is that while incidence of blood cancer has increased by 79% in the past 20 years[ii], only 12% of blood cancer research funding in that time has gone towards prevention and early detection of the disease[iii] – proportionally well below that of other leading cancers in Australia.
With incidence and mortality on track to almost double by 2035[iv], blood cancer will become one of Australia's most significant public health issues and the most prevalent and deadly form of cancer in the country.
You cannot prevent blood cancer, nor can you screen for it or make lifestyle changes to alter your risk of being diagnosed - it's Australia's silent and hidden cancer crisis.
According to the Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti, while blood cancer research to date has made significant strides in terms of improving treatment and care options, unfortunately the issue of prevention and early detection of the disease remains unsolved.
"Australia is currently facing a blood cancer storm with the disease on track to overtake all other cancers in this country," said Mr Tanti.
"Unlike most other prevalent cancers like lung, breast, prostate, skin, and bowel, you cannot currently screen for, prevent or reduce your risk of being diagnosed with blood cancer. We simply don't have the knowledge or tools to enable us to do so."
The Leukaemia Foundation believes the two most critical steps to reverse the impact of blood cancer in Australia includes more investment into blood cancer research that focuses on prevention and early detection, and an increase in support services for patients and their loved ones.
"With an approximate one in twelve Australians set to be diagnosed with blood cancer in their lifetime[v], being able to diagnose and treat the disease earlier, and provide the best possible support to those impacted, is going to make a significant impact on the rising incidence and mortality rates in Australia," added Mr Tanti.
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a national and strategic approach to tackling blood cancer by taking action, together with the Australian blood cancer community, now.
"Sadly, failure to invest in blood cancer research which focuses on screening and prevention, as well as greater support services for all patients, will result in an unnecessary loss of life in the future, and a heartbreaking toll on the increasing number of Australians impacted by the disease."
Since 2000, the Leukaemia Foundation's national research program has funded over 365 blood cancer research grants, representing over $87.1 million in research funding, and we are currently investing in projects with a focus on prevention and early detection.
However, with a significant underinvestment in blood cancer prevention and early detection compared to other leading cancers in Australia, further investment is immediately needed.
"When compared to other leading cancers in Australia, the investment in blood cancer research focused on prevention and early detection is vastly different and contributes to why the incidence of blood cancer is significantly increasing and outpacing that of all other cancers.
"For comparison, the percentage share of research investment in prevention, early detection and diagnosis in cervical cancer is 90%, melanoma 55%, lung cancer 37%, prostate cancer 32%, bowel cancer 27% and breast cancer 22%. Drastically behind is blood cancer at only 12%."[i]
Blood cancer currently represents the second leading cause of cancer deaths in this country, and a further 150,000 Australians[vi] of all ages from young babies to older adults, are already living with the disease.
To help close the gap, the Leukaemia Foundation is calling for urgent support from everyday Australians to raise vital funds for blood cancer research, and for the services they provide to patients and their loved ones, through its iconic fundraising campaign, the World's Greatest Shave, which launches across the nation today.
The Leukaemia Foundation heavily relies on the generosity of the Australian community to sign up to shave, cut, or colour their hair and fundraise during World's Greatest Shave so they can continue their support for the growing number of Australians living with blood cancer.
"The Leukaemia Foundation has a bold goal to raise $12 million dollars through this year's World's Greatest Shave and we cannot do it alone," said Mr Tanti.
"We urge Australians to sign up and take part so that we can continue to invest in vital blood cancer research and further support patients and their loved ones when they need it most."
To be counted in the fight against blood cancer and improve outcomes for Australians living with the disease, register to participate in the World's Greatest Shave at worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.
