Major killer many Aussies still don't know about

Jasmin Harrison
·Lifestyle Reporter
·3-min read

New research reveals most Australians are unaware of one of our most lethal forms of cancer.

The Leukaemia Foundation says 70 per cent don’t know blood cancers are the second most-common cancer type, and the second-highest cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia.

A woman in a dressing gown sits sipping from a mug on a balcony with her back to the camera, adjacent to another woman who is bald and also holds a mug.
New research shows most Australians are not confident to spot one of our most prevalent cancers. Photo Supplied

Four-in-five Australians aren’t confident to spot the main symptoms of blood cancer.

What is blood cancer?

There are a number of different cancers which affect the blood, including leukaemia (develops in the bone marrow), lymphoma (develops in the lymphatic system), myeloma (develops in plasma cells) and childhood blood cancers, to name a few.

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Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti says there are: “110,000 Australians living with blood cancer right now … and more than 5,700 are expected to lose their life to blood cancer this year. By 2035, twice as many Australians will be diagnosed and almost three times as many will lose their life to blood cancer."

A graphic of Leukaemia Foundation research showing that 7 in 10 Australian's are unaware of the prevalence and severity of blood cancers
New research shows 70 per cent of Aussies don’t know blood cancers are the second-highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. Image: Leukaemia Foundation

What are the symptoms of blood cancer?

Some of the most common include:

  • recurrent infections

  • increased fatigue

  • night sweats

  • bone pain

  • bruising

  • enlarged lymph nodes.

Grey and red blood cancer cell images on a black background
Blood cancer cells as they form. The Leukaemia Foundation encourages Aussies to get familiar with the warning signs. Photo: Leukaemia Foundation

Risk of missed cases with symptoms similar to Omicron

As they prepare for the 2022 World’s Greatest Shave in "Shave Week" (March 16-20), the Leukaemia Foundation warns the increase of Omicron COVID-19 cases means cancer symptoms may be missed.

“Blood cancer symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or even COVID-19, resulting in people delaying contacting their GP and potentially a delayed blood cancer diagnosis," Mr Tanti said.

“As we enter the next phase of the pandemic, as a community we're being asked to recognise COVID-19 symptoms.

"It's important that Australians are aware of the common symptoms of blood cancer and contact their doctor if these symptoms don't improve.

"It could save your life."

Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti looks into the camera wearing glasses, a white shirt, no tie and a blue jacket.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti warns against ignoring possible blood cancer symptoms. Photo: Leukaemia Foundation

How to support early detection of blood cancer

The Leukaemia Foundation is encouraging everyone to become familiar with common symptoms, and to raise any concerns with their GP.

They’re also encouraging Aussies to get involved in the World’s Greatest Shave, just like former Bachelor Matt Agnew who just shaved off all of his hair.

Running for over 20 years, the World’s Greatest Shave raises funds to support Australians who are diagnosed with blood cancer, and to help research scientists find better ways to diagnose and treat it.

“Even in the midst of a global pandemic, blood cancer doesn’t stop, so neither can we," Mr Tanti said.

"I urge all Australians to join us and make it their mission in 2022 to support the growing number of people diagnosed with blood cancer every day by signing up to World’s Greatest Shave."

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