This World Cancer Day (Saturday 4 February) the Leukaemia Foundation is raising much-needed awareness of blood cancer in light of the thousands of everyday Australians impacted each year.
The theme of World Cancer Day is ‘Close the Care Gap’ and relates to access of life-saving treatments and care, something that should be equitable for all no matter where you live, your income, your ethnicity or gender.
This year’s World Cancer Day comes as the Leukaemia Foundation this week released new research showing nearly half (43 per cent) of those diagnosed with blood cancer experienced out of pocket treatment costs totalling hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars1.
Most patients used savings to fund these costs. Some had to sell assets including their house or car to pay for treatment, while others used charity food boxes, and turned to charities like the Leukaemia Foundation to help ease the burden2.
“Through the thousands of Australians we support, we know that inequality in care can cost lives. People with blood cancer often face unique challenges including significant out-of-pocket costs, lengthy treatment and hospital stays, the need to relocate to capital cities to access specialist treatment, persistent and long-term symptoms and the threat of relapse,” Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said.
Blood cancer incidence has soared by 47% in the past ten years3, with more people than ever needing financial, emotional and practical support. This week the Leukaemia Foundation launched the 25th anniversary of World’s Greatest Shave and is urging Australians to sign up to shave, cut or colour their hair and raise vital funds to their fellow Australians experiencing the financial burden of a blood cancer diagnosis and help them beat the disease.
“People with blood cancer need us now more than ever and we can’t delay taking action together. I urge all Australians to join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary of World’s Greatest Shave by signing up and supporting the growing number of people diagnosed with blood cancer every day.”
Officially ramping up to ‘Shave Week’ between March 15-19, help beat blood cancer by signing up to World’s Greatest Shave online at worldsgreatestshave.com, or call 1800 500 088 for more information. #worldsgreatestshave
1 State of the National in Blood Cancers in 2023
2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0145212621017495?via%3Dihub
3 http://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/summary
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’s 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 www.leukaemia.org.au.
About World’s Greatest Shave: World’s Greatest Shave is one of Australia’s longest-running and most-loved charity fundraisers. This year is our official 25th anniversary. All money raised from World’s Greatest Shave provides vital support for the growing number of Australians diagnosed with blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood related disorders. The funds raised through World’s Greatest Shave allow the Leukaemia Foundation to continue delivering direct support and services at no extra cost or provide subsidy to support access to other services. Fundraising also helps us to advocate for equitable access to new therapies and treatments and to further invest in vital research.
Text by: Leukaemia Foundation
