It's the number one cancer in Australian children[i], ripping away the childhoods of those affected, and what's more, it's on the rise.
Its name is blood cancer.
Blood cancer, specifically leukaemia and lymphoma, is responsible for approximately one in every two cancers diagnosed in Australians under the age of 19[ii].
More infants, toddlers, children and teenagers are diagnosed with blood cancer than any other cancer in this country, with lengthy treatment regimes and debilitating side effects having a dire impact on those diagnosed.
On International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15), the Leukaemia Foundation is calling for greater awareness, and support, for the growing number of Australian children, and their families affected by the disease.
"Today in Australia, at least one family will hear the devastating and life altering news that their child has blood cancer," said Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti.
"They are then immediately thrust into the unfamiliar and scary world of life-saving treatment, leaving their homes and loved ones behind to relocate to treating hospitals around the country.
"For some children in Australia, this can mean up to two years away from home. Away from everything and everyone they've ever known.
"Their childhood changes in an instant, their innocence ripped away, only to be replaced with the confines of a hospital, many tests, chemotherapy, treatments and procedures that no child should ever have to face."
With the numbers of blood cancer incidence and mortality on the rise in all age groups in Australia, concerningly the disease is set to impact more children in the future with no sign of it slowing down.
"Australia has seen a 40 per cent increase in blood cancer incidence in Australian children in the past two decades[iii] with blood cancers set to become the most prevalent cancer by 2035.[iv]
"Although treatment options and survival rates have greatly improved over time, sadly every fortnight one Australian child or teenager will lose their life to blood cancer with the disease ranked as the second highest cause of childhood cancer deaths in this country[v]," added Mr Tanti.
The Leukaemia Foundation firmly believes that one death is one too many and is determined to see zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035 with a commitment to invest further funds into blood cancer research and increase its support and services for patients around the country.
"The Leukaemia Foundation has been supporting Australians impacted by blood cancer, of all ages, and from all corners of Australia for close to 50 years.
"In that time, we've wrapped our support and services around thousands of children and their families to allow them to focus on treatment and surviving their blood cancer, and to get through what is for most, the toughest time of their lives.
"With the incidence of blood cancer increasing in both children and people of all ages in Australia, there is no doubt that the Leukaemia Foundation is going to need to support more Australians in the future as they face blood cancer head on," said Mr Tanti.
With blood cancer treatment for children generally lasting two to three years[vi] – one of the longest forms of treatment compared to other cancers – it's not uncommon for the Leukaemia Foundation to be supporting children and their families for many years.
Additionally, the debilitating side effects of blood cancer and the associated treatment, can impact a child's health and quality of life for several years, or in some cases, a lifetime.
To ensure that the Leukaemia Foundation can continue to support the growing number of children, individuals, and families affected by blood cancer in the next decade, they are calling on everyday Australians to help raise vital funds through this year's World's Greatest Shave.
"The World's Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia Foundation's biggest injection of funds each year that enables us to continue our life-changing support and services for patients and their loved ones.
"It also allows us to further invest in vital blood cancer research to support the development of new treatments and the future prevention of blood cancers to help stem the rise in incidence and mortality for all Australians.
"We heavily rely on the generosity of the Australian community who sign up to shave, cut, or colour their hair and fundraise during World's Greatest Shave and deeply encourage people of all ages, to get behind this year's campaign."
Funds raised through World's Greatest Shave ensure the Leukaemia Foundation can offer families accommodation (a home away from home) while they are going through treatment, assistance with transport to appointments, education and information around their specific type of cancer, as well as other practical, financial, emotional and mental health support.
Mr Tanti added, "A blood cancer diagnosis not only impacts the child and their childhood, but it also impacts their immediate and extended family, their friends, classmates, teachers, and the whole community.
"To ensure we can provide the support these children need throughout their blood cancer treatment, and the ability to enjoy some normality whilst they are away from home, school and friends for long periods of time, we need Australia's help and the World's Greatest Shave is the perfect avenue."
The Leukaemia Foundation has a bold goal to raise $12 million dollars through this year's World's Greatest Shave.
To be counted in the fight against blood cancer and help support children and Australians of all ages living with the disease, register to participate at worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.
