Dedicated support line announced for Australians impacted by blood cancer

Leukaemia Foundation announced the first and only dedicated blood cancer support line to help the growing number of Australians impacted by blood cancer.

With more Australians experiencing the devastation and disruption of a blood cancer diagnosis, on the first day of Blood Cancer Month, the Leukaemia Foundation is announcing Australia’s first and only dedicated blood cancer support line.

Every year, 19,403 Australians will be newly diagnosed with blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. In Australia today, more than 53 people will be told they have blood cancer – equivalent to one person every 27 minutes.

“Sadly, many Australians impacted by blood cancer still face barriers to receiving the care they need, when they need it. By breaking down these barriers and offering personalised supportive care and information at no cost, we know that we can help people not only survive their blood cancer but thrive.” said Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti.

With incidence continuing to rise, 5-year survivorship of blood cancer has remained stagnant (67.9%) and lower than all cancers combined in Australia (70.1%). A recent Australian study also found survivors of blood cancer with high unmet supportive care needs were 50 per cent more likely to see their cancer return.

Tanti also said 135,000 Australians are currently living with blood cancer and diagnoses are projected to nearly double by 2035. In addition to treatment pathways, access to personalised supportive care and information is critical to ensure every single Australian impacted by blood cancer has the opportunity to survive the disease and thrive, regardless of where they live.

“When someone receives a blood cancer diagnosis, it can feel like the beginning of a long, and isolating journey.”

The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare confirms that 53 Australians will be diagnosed with blood cancer (including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma) every day this year, an increase from 50 people daily in 2021.

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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