…Set to become Australia’s most deadly and common cancer in a decade
By Kwedu News
Sydney – Australia faces a devastating health crisis with a steep rise in blood cancer incidences as experts warn that urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophic rise in mortality rates.
A report recently released by the Leukaemia Foundation, blood cancer is set to become Australia’s most common and deadly cancer within a decade, with incidence rates increasing by 79% over the past 20 years.
“Australia is currently facing a blood cancer storm with the disease on track to overtake all other cancers in this country,” says Leukaemia Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Chris Tanti.
Unlike other prevalent cancers, Tanti says, blood cancer cannot be screened for, prevented, or reduced through lifestyle changes.
“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,” he says.
The Leukaemia Foundation is calling for increased investment in blood cancer research, particularly in prevention and early detection.
“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,” Tanti says.
The report reveals that blood cancer research funding lags significantly behind other leading cancers in Australia.
“Blood cancer receives only 12% of research funding for prevention and early detection, compared to 90% for cervical cancer and 55% for melanoma.
“This underinvestment has contributed to the significant increase in blood cancer incidence and mortality rates,” Tanti says.
Blood cancer currently represents the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia.
Over 150,000 Australians are already living with the disease, and experts warn that this number will continue to rise unless urgent action is taken.
Since 2000, the Leukaemia Foundation’s national research program has funded over 365 blood cancer research grants worth over $87.1 million in research funding.
“We are currently investing in projects with a focus on prevention and early detection,” the foundation says.
Professor Wendy Erber from the University of Western Australia warns that the odds of knowing someone with blood cancer are alarmingly high.
“For every 12 people you know, one of them is going to be unlucky and get a blood cancer,” she said.
In response to the crisis, the Leukaemia Foundation is launching its iconic fundraising campaign, the World’s Greatest Shave, to raise vital funds for blood cancer research and support services.
“We urge Australians to sign up and take part in the World’s Greatest Shave to help us raise $12 million for blood cancer research and support services,” Tanti says.
“We cannot do it alone, and we need the support of everyday Australians to continue investing in vital blood cancer research and to support patients and their loved ones when they need it most,” he adds.
With the clock ticking, experts warn that urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophic rise in blood cancer mortality rates.
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