New figures reveal deadly lack of awareness as blood cancer rates soar
The Leukaemia Foundation has today released alarming new research showing only one in five Australians can name a single sign or symptom associated with blood canceri, despite it being one of the nation's deadliest cancersii.
Fuelling the issue is that while blood cancer incidence has increased by 79% in the past two decadesiii, you cannot currently screen for, prevent, or reduce your risk of being diagnosed, meaning that understanding the signs and symptoms is critical.
With one in twelve Australians at risk of being diagnosed with blood cancer in their lifetimeiv, and one in three patients already facing a delay in diagnosisv, Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said that the lack of awareness of blood cancer symptoms could be devastating.
"This latest research clearly proves Australians are dangerously in the dark when it comes to knowing the signs and symptoms of blood cancer," said Mr Tanti.
"Blood cancer is Australia's hidden cancer crisis and on track to overtake all other cancers in this country to be the most diagnosed and deadly cancer by 2035vi.
"Without knowing the signs and symptoms, people may not visit their GP or seek help early, leaving them at risk of a delayed diagnosis and treatment.
"Every second counts when it comes to a disease like blood cancer, and even the slightest delay in accessing lifesaving treatment could impact someone's chances of survival."
The new findings mirror research from 2021, showing that awareness of blood cancer signs and symptoms has not improved.
"Awareness of blood cancer symptoms is stagnant, while the number of people at risk of the disease continues to grow," Mr Tanti said.
"We urge every Australian to take their health seriously by learning the symptoms of blood cancer and speaking to their GP or health professional if they notice something unusual."
Blood cancer is already the second highest cause of cancer related deaths in the countryvii, with the disease impacting people of all ages, from children and adolescents, to adults, and older Australians.
And unlike other prevalent cancers like lung, breast, prostate, skin, and bowel, blood cancer cannot be detected through screening, nor can you prevent or reduce your risk of being diagnosed, propelling the need for greater education on the signs and symptoms.
To help close the knowledge gap and increase awareness, the Leukaemia Foundation is launching a new public health campaign featuring an animated character called 'The Blood Count.'
The Blood Count is considered a friendly ally and expert on blood cancer, with the aim to reach as many Australians as possible and encourage them to raise any potential blood cancer symptoms with their GP or health professional.
"Patients often tell us they wish they'd known the symptoms of blood cancer earlier as it would have ensured they visited their GP quicker to enable a timelier diagnosis," said Mr Tanti.
"The sooner someone is diagnosed with blood cancer, the greater their chances of surviving the disease."
The seven symptoms of blood cancer Australians may be ignoring:
- Recurrent infections
- Increased fatigue
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Drenching night sweats
- Pain in bones, joints or abdomen
- Enlarged lymph nodes, lumps or swellings
Mr Tanti added, "If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we urge you not to wait. Visit your GP immediately. It could be the most important decision you ever make."
