This World Blood Cancer Day (28 May), the Leukaemia Foundation is issuing an urgent national call: know the signs of blood cancer and act fast – a simple action that could save your life.
By 2035, blood cancer will be the leading cancer in both diagnosis, and mortality, among Australians[i].
Recognising the signs and symptoms of the disease can be the critical factor between surviving blood cancer or devastatingly, succumbing to it.
Blood cancer cannot be screened for, prevented, or predicted. The most powerful tool Australians have is early detection – and incredibly, it could increase your chance of survival by up to 40 per cent[ii].
"For many Australians diagnosed with blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, the timing of their diagnosis is everything," said Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti.
"Early detection often determines whether potentially life-saving treatment options are available, and how effective those treatments will be.
"We also know that survival rates can increase significantly the sooner a blood cancer diagnosis occurs – in fact, as much as 40 per cent[iii] – serving as a powerful reminder of how urgent timely action is."
When caught early, blood cancer is more likely to be treatable and less life threatening with the benefits profound and wide-reaching.
Early blood cancer diagnosis can mean:
- More treatment options, including curative treatments like stem cell transplants
- Less aggressive and shorter treatment regimens
- A better quality of life for patients, with fewer complications and side effects
- Lower financial and emotional toll on patients and the healthcare system, including fewer hospital admissions
- Greater emotional wellbeing and a quicker return to daily life and normality
In contrast, when blood cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, patients often face longer, more intensive treatments, poorer health outcomes, and significantly higher psychological and financial burdens.
"For patients with lymphoma, for example, delays in diagnosis can more than double the length and intensity of treatment required[iv]," Mr Tanti said.
"However, when caught early, patients may be eligible for less aggressive, shorter-duration therapies, which can reduce hospital time, ease emotional distress, and improve both survival and recovery."
The Leukaemia Foundation is calling on all Australians to be aware of the five key symptoms of blood cancer and act promptly:
- Fatigue that doesn't go away
- Frequent or recurrent infections
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes (usually painless)
Mr Tanti added, "Blood cancer is often called Australia's hidden cancer crisis, but what's really hidden is the life-saving impact that an earlier diagnosis can have.
"Understanding the five key symptoms of blood cancer could help you, or someone you love, get diagnosed earlier when treatment is more effective and less intense.
"We're talking about someone's partner, child, parent, or best friend getting their life back and going on to thrive following blood cancer."
The Leukaemia Foundation's new public health campaign featuring 'The Blood Count' is aimed at reaching as many Australians as possible and encouraging them to raise any potential blood cancer symptoms with their GP or health professional.
"We're staring down a future where blood cancer becomes the most prevalent and common cause of cancer deaths by 2035[v]," Mr Tanti said.
"More than a quarter of a million Australians will be diagnosed with blood cancer in the next decade[vi]. It will take national awareness, urgent action, and better access to treatment to improve outcomes and survival rates.
"Knowing the signs and symptoms of blood cancer is an important first step."
