New national report reveals impact of blood cancers in Australia, leading Federal Government to commit to a new national Taskforce to tackle these diseases
A first-of-its-kind nationwide report commissioned by the Leukaemia Foundation reveals the true size, scale and impact of blood cancer and the lived experiences of people living with blood cancer in Australia today.
The Leukaemia Foundation has today marked the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month by releasing the State of the Nation: Blood Cancer in Australia report[1], which identifies the challenges and opportunities influencing survival and quality of life for Australians living with blood cancer.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Bill Petch said the comprehensive and evidence-based report shows that blood cancer has been underestimated and underreported. It identifies that blood cancer is now more significant and prevalent than ever before and that diagnosis rates are on the rise across the country.
Due to the urgency of the report's findings, the Federal Minister for Health, The Hon. Greg Hunt MP has announced the development of a national Blood Cancer Taskforce and charged the Leukaemia Foundation with delivering Australia’s first National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer.
The State of the Nation report reveals that by 2035, 275,000 Australians will be living with blood cancer â€" more than double the number of people battling these diseases today. It also shows that up to 186,000 people may die as a result of blood cancer over the next 16 years.
“Right now, every day, 41 Australian children, adults, parents and grandparents will be told they have blood cancer and unfortunately 20 people will lose their life to blood cancer, making these cancers some of the most common and deadly in the country,†Mr Petch said.
“This report shows that by 2035 these figures will more than double, with close to 100 people a day set to be diagnosed and more than 40 people expected to die every day."
Mr Petch said the report also found the cost to the health system of treating and caring for people with blood cancer is expected to increase to over $10.9 billion in 2035 â€" up from $3.4 billion annually today. The total cost to the Australian economy is also expected to reach $71.9 billion a year by 2035 â€" more than triple today’s annual estimated cost of $22.9 billion.
“This report outlines an agenda for change, which will, in turn, drive down both the personal and economic toll blood cancer is set to have on our country. That is why we need all Australians to unite in recognising blood cancer as a significant issue that will impact all of us,†Mr Petch said.
"An unprecedented 3200 people living with blood cancer were surveyed in the development of this patient-centred and people-focused report, and it is their lived experiences that are fueling our push for action. We want all Australians living with blood cancer, their families and carers to know - we see you, we hear you, and we're here for you."
The report identifies four key priorities to tackle blood cancer: empowering patients, ensuring equity of access, accelerating research and catalysing health service reform.
“It is time for a national collaborative approach to address these priorities and save the lives of our fellow Australians,†Mr Petch said.
The Blood Cancer Taskforce will unite Australia’s leading hematologists, researchers, patients and members of the blood cancer ecosystem for the first time to work with the Leukaemia Foundation to develop the National Strategic Action Plan, which will provide the blueprint to help tackle the key issues facing the blood cancer community today and into the future.
Mr Petch said the formation of the Taskforce and development of the National Strategic Action Plan together mark a major milestone for the blood cancer community and will set the national agenda around blood cancer for many years to come.
“Advances in treatment and care over the past 40 years have transformed the way Australians live with a blood cancer, however the path to conquering blood cancer is long and requires improved access for all Australians to the right information, the best treatments and services, and the latest treatments, tests and diagnostic tools, to help people with blood cancer not only to survive - but also to live well,†he said.
"The Leukaemia Foundation and the whole blood cancer community are committed to partnering with the Federal Government in tackling the challenges of blood cancer."
Mr Petch said the Federal Government's action also bolstered the bold new goal set by the Leukaemia Foundation to create real change for people living with blood cancer: zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.
"For the past 40 years, the Leukaemia Foundation has supported and advocated for people living with blood cancer in Australia. Now we are looking forward to leading a new era of change for the Australian blood cancer community by partnering with industry, government, medical professionals and everyday Australians to realise the goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035,†he said.
