Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer and is the most common cancer in children. However, recent data highlights that older Australians may be at greater risk of having leukaemia than younger generations.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and this aims to raise awareness about blood cancers, associated symptoms and treatments.
Estimates suggest that approximately 45 percent of deaths of Australians aged between 60 and 69 years will be caused by cancer, according to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Leukaemia develops in the bone marrow, where white blood cells are found. This type of cancer means that the white blood cells multiply abnormally and do so in an uncontrolled manner.
The four main types of leukaemia are acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
The Leukaemia Foundation announced its new campaign recently to ensure that all Australians, regardless of location or age, get the care and treatment they deserve.
In this campaign, the Leukaemia Foundation’s key message is that ‘everyone with blood cancer deserves a fair go.’
This includes Australians in rural and remote areas, First Nations people and members of the LGBTI+ community.
Chief Executive Officer of the Leukaemia Foundation Chris Tanti highlighted that leukaemia can affect anyone, regardless of age.
“[Leukaemia] can impact anyone at any time and at any stage of life, from newborns to adolescents, young adults to working adults with families and older Australians,” he said.
“But the cohort who it disproportionately affects the most is, in fact, those over the age of fifty.
“The latest research clearly shows a significant rise in cases in older Australians with the median age of those diagnosed with leukaemia now being [approximately] 70 years old — a statistic bound to surprise many people.
“[…] It is clear [that] leukaemia, like every type of blood cancer, is a cancer more greatly impacting older generations.”
It’s predicted that up to 209,000 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by 2034.
In a recent video released by the Leukaemia Foundation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of raising awareness and talking about blood cancer.
“[…] Together, we can create a better future for blood cancer patients and their families,” he said.
“[…] I encourage all Australians to be aware of the symptoms, know when to get treatment and continue to support the life-saving research and development undertaken by our world-class scientists.”
People with blood cancer and their families can request support services from the Leukaemia Foundation including transport assistance, emotional support, bereavement support and financial assistance.
To learn more about leukaemia and to access free resources, visit the Leukaemia Foundation.
Other types of blood cancer include lymphoma which develops in the lymphatic system, and myeloma which develops in plasma cells.
Mr Tanti reiterated the importance for all Australians, particularly older generations, to seek advice related to symptoms of blood cancer for a timely diagnosis.
“We urge anyone experiencing recurrent infections, increased fatigue, night sweats, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, bruising or enlarged lymph nodes to see their general practitioner or specialist immediately — every minute counts in the race to beat blood cancer,” he said.
“The earlier that someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, the higher the likelihood of them being able to access the best possible treatment and care.”
Almost half of all Australians ‘will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85,’ according to information on the Cancer Council website.
If you are concerned about your general health or risk of cancer, visit your local general practitioner for a discussion. Additionally, the Cancer Council encourages people diagnosed with cancer to phone 13 11 20, where they can speak to an experienced cancer nurse.
