04 Sep Shining a Light on Leukaemia: Thousands of Australians Need Greater Support

This World Leukaemia Day (September 4), the Leukaemia Foundation is drawing attention to the growing number of Australians whose lives are turned upside down by leukaemia each year.

For more than 50 years, the Foundation has provided life-changing care, wraparound health services, and advocacy for people with blood cancer and their families. But with demand rising sharply, its work has never been more vital.

A Growing Health Crisis

Australia has seen a 73% increase in leukaemia cases over the past two decades, with more than 5300 people diagnosed in 2024 alone — about 14 every day. Over the next 10 years, more than 60,000 Australians will hear the devastating words, “you have leukaemia.”

Despite advances in treatment, survival is far from certain. One in three people will not live beyond five years after diagnosis. Leukaemia is also the most common cancer in Australian children, accounting for one in three childhood cancer cases, but it strikes adults and older Australians as well.

Unequal Impact in the Regions

The burden of leukaemia is especially heavy in regional, rural and remote communities. Incidence rates can be up to 27% higher outside major cities, and survival rates are up to 14% lower. Many families must relocate far from home, facing isolation, lost income and crushing financial pressures.

The Leukaemia Foundation steps in to ease this load, providing accommodation, transport and financial support. Last year alone, the Foundation provided:

• Accommodation for 464 patients so families could stay close to treatment.
• Transport services for 1867 patients to reach lifesaving appointments.
• Financial assistance for 870 patients, helping cover bills, travel and lost income.

Standing Beside Families Every Step of the Way

Behind the statistics are children starting school, parents raising families and grandparents hoping for more time. “These are the people we walk beside,” said Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti. “We bring care to where people are – in their homes, their communities and their cultures.”

This World Leukaemia Day, the Foundation is urging Australians to help ensure no one has to face leukaemia alone. Donations can be made at leukaemia.org.au or by calling 1800 620 420.