Children across Australia will return to classrooms this week, but hundreds will not. Their desks remain empty and they fight. The biggest disease threatening the lives of school-age children in Australia today is blood cancer.[i].
This year alone, 350 children in Australia will be newly diagnosed with blood cancer. Blood cancers are the most common and life-threatening childhood cancers in this country.[ii].
Thousands of local children are already living with the disease, enduring intensive treatment and being forced out of school for long periods in an attempt to save their lives.
Chris Tanti, CEO of the Leukemia Foundation, said blood cancers now account for more than one in three cancers in school-age children, but remained a largely hidden national tragedy.
“No other disease threatens the lives of children in Australia more than blood cancer,” Mr Tanti said.
“Too many children are fighting for their lives, trading classrooms for hospital rooms when they should be learning, playing and laughing with their friends.
“Metropolitan areas, local communities, and rural communities are all bearing the brunt of this insidious disease, robbing them of their childhoods at an accelerating rate.”
Over the past 20 years, the incidence of blood cancers in children aged 5 to 14 years has increased by almost 30%.[iii].
The Leukemia Foundation has warned that if trends continue, more than 400 children a year will face a blood cancer diagnosis within the next decade, with potentially devastating consequences.[iv].
“Blood cancer diagnoses often occur suddenly, and children are suddenly excluded from school and normal life,” Tanti said.
“They are immediately forced to leave their homes and familiar comforts and be thrown into the frightening and unfamiliar world of prolonged, lonely, and intensive life-saving treatment.”
Children with blood cancer endure chemotherapy and targeted therapies, long hospital stays, and severe side effects that can last months, years, or even a lifetime.
Treatment can often take up to three years, and children often miss 40 to 60 percent of school during the first year of treatment, with some children missing more than six to 18 months.[v].
The impact on their education, development and health is severe, with fatigue, anxiety and cognitive effects commonly known as ‘chemobrain’ interfering with learning and concentration, gaps that can last for years.
Returning to school is also a challenge, as children try to catch up academically while managing ongoing medical care and appointments during school hours.
“Hospital school programs and distance learning options provide partial continuity from an academic standpoint, but the social impact is also significant,” Tanti said.
“More than 70% of young cancer patients felt socially isolated during treatment, and many said they felt ‘different’ when returning to school due to hair loss, scarring, or the need for protective measures.[vi].
“Important milestones that create memories are often overlooked, such as school camps, field trips, birthday parties, sports seasons, and formal events.
“For adolescents, this can impact on identity formation, body image and independence, and lead to further long-term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.”
The Leukemia Foundation supports thousands of Australians and their families every year who say a blood cancer diagnosis has completely changed their lives.
Mr Tanti added: “With the incidence of blood cancers rising across all age groups, we have a mission to reach every child and every adult affected and provide critical support and services to minimize the impact, and we fundamentally need Australia’s support.”
Today, The Leukemia Foundation’s iconic fundraising campaign launches nationally. world’s best shave – We are calling on the Australian community to support this national tragedy unfolding in our classrooms by signing up to shave, cut or dye your hair and raise vital funds.
“World’s Greatest Shave is the Leukemia Foundation’s largest annual funding commitment, allowing us to continue providing life-changing support to patients and their loved ones and further investing in critical blood cancer research,” said Tanti.
“Our goal is to raise $12 million this year, but we can’t do it alone.
“In fact, schools are one of the biggest contributors to the world’s biggest shave, with thousands of students taking part every year, highlighting the impact blood cancers have within school communities.
“But every person who shaves, cuts, colors or donates to someone in Australia who shaves, cuts or colors their hair helps ensure that no one faces blood cancer without support. We strongly encourage people of all ages to get involved in this year’s campaign.”
Services provided by the Leukemia Foundation include accommodation during treatment (a second home), transportation assistance to appointments, education and information, and practical, financial, emotional and mental health support, regardless of where the family lives.
The Leukemia Foundation also invests in cutting-edge blood cancer research to support the development and availability of new treatments and future prevention of blood cancers to halt rising morbidity and mortality for children and all Australians.
To join the fight against blood cancer and support children and Australians of all ages living with this disease, register for World’s Greatest Shave at worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.
-end-
Interview opportunity:
- Leukemia Foundation spokesperson: Our confident speakers will provide insight into the points raised in the media release and the impact that blood cancers have on too many children in Australia.
- People with lived experience: We interview local children and families affected by blood cancer and give first-hand accounts of the impact this disease has had on them and their schooling.
For all media inquiries and spokesperson interviews, please contact the Leukemia Foundation media team. [email protected] Or call us on 0473 154 079.
[iv] AIHW, Leukemia Foundation Modeling of Childhood Blood Cancer Incidence, 2003 to 2026
About us:
About the Leukemia Foundation: The Leukemia Foundation supports Australia to help treat and beat blood cancers with care. Together, we are attacking every blood cancer, from every direction, in every way. We work alongside all Australians to be their voice and confidant, ensuring they receive the best care possible. It is also accelerating research that will lead to rapid advances in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers. In addition, we provide services and support to help people with all blood cancers live well after diagnosis. For more information about the Leukemia Foundation and blood cancers, visit leukaemia.org.au.
Contact details:
Please contact the Leukemia Foundation Media Team. [email protected] or call 0473 154 079.