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World Leukaemia Day: 50 years of support for Australians facing leukaemia

Leukaemia Foundation

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti: Chris can speak on the points raised in the media release regarding the devastating impact of leukaemia on families in all corners of Australia, and particularly those living in regional, rural and remote communities.

Interview a local: If you would like to interview a local person in your area impacted by leukaemia, we can organise this.

Contact the Leukaemia Foundation media team:
[email protected] or call 0448 840 846

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This World Leukaemia Day, the Leukaemia Foundation is shining a light on the thousands of Australians whose lives are turned upside down by the blood cancer – leukaemia – every year.

As Australia's leading blood cancer charity, the Leukaemia Foundation has been providing life-changing care and wraparound health services for people with leukaemia and their families for the past 50 years.

As the number of people impacted by this disease continues to rise, the Foundation’s work has never been more important with demand for its services and support increasing.

“Australia has experienced a staggering 73%^[i] increase in incidence of leukaemia in the past two decades,” said Chris Tanti, Leukaemia Foundation CEO.

“In 2024 alone, more than 5300^[ii] Australians were diagnosed with the disease, equating to around 14 people every day.

“Over the next 10 years, more than 60,000^[iii] Australians will be told the life-altering words "you have leukaemia", and for too many, survival remains uncertain with one in three people not living five years after their diagnosis.”

As a growing number of families from all corners of the country are ripped apart by this disease, the need for greater support and care for Australians facing leukaemia is critically important.

"Leukaemia is a devastating disease that reaches into every community and every generation. It is the leading cancer diagnosed in Australian children, accounting for one in three childhood cancers, but it also impacts thousands of adults and older Australians each year," Mr Tanti said.

"Behind these numbers are real people – a child starting school, a parent raising their family, or a grandparent who deserves more time with their loved ones.

“These are the people we stand beside and for whom we advocate to receive the best possible treatment, care, and support regardless of their circumstances.”

For Australians living in regional, rural and remote communities however, the challenges surrounding a leukaemia diagnosis are even greater. Incidence rates are up to 27%^[iv] higher in some regional areas, while survival rates can be 14%^[v] lower compared to major cities.

Many families affected are forced to relocate far away from home, losing income and their support networks, while carrying crushing financial pressures to access the lifesaving treatment they need.

“That's where the Leukaemia Foundation comes in,” added Mr Tanti.

“To help ease the burden, we provide wraparound health services to people living with leukaemia and any type of blood cancer, including emotional counselling, and financial and practical support for patients and their families.”

In the past year alone, this support included:

• Accommodation for 464 patients, so families can stay close to treatment centres and have their loved ones close by.
• Transport services for 1867 patients, ensuring they can reach critical appointments without the financial burden of travel-related costs.
• Financial assistance for 870 patients, easing the pressure of bills, travel and lost income while most are unable to work during treatment.^[vi]

"The Leukaemia Foundation walks alongside Australians during the most difficult time of their lives – providing a home away from home, a car ride to treatment when there's no other option, and emotional care – when the weight of diagnosis feels too heavy to carry alone.

“We bring care to where people are – in their homes, their communities and their cultures. And every donation we receive helps us to continue to deliver this life-changing care to Australians across the nation, to give them the best possible chance of survival.”

This World Leukaemia Day, the Leukaemia Foundation is urging the community to help us continue our mission, so that every person diagnosed with leukaemia gets the support and care they deserve, no matter their age, their circumstances or where they live. Because nobody should have to face leukaemia alone.

How Australians can help: This World Leukaemia Day, help the Leukaemia Foundation deliver care that is faster, fairer and closer to home. Donate generously at leukaemia.org.au or call 1800 620 420.

About us:

About the Leukaemia Foundation: The Leukaemia Foundation stands with Australia to help cure and conquer blood cancer – with care. Together we are attacking every blood cancer, from every direction, in every way we can. We stand beside every Australian to be their voice and their someone-to-turn to, fighting to get them access to the best care. We also accelerate research that is delivering rapid advancements in blood cancer diagnosis and treatments. Plus, we provide services and support that empower people living with any blood cancer to live well after diagnosis. You can learn more about the Leukaemia Foundation and blood cancer at leukaemia.org.au.

Contact details:

Please contact the Leukaemia Foundation media team:  [email protected] or call 0448 840 846