This Rare Cancers Awareness Day, the Leukaemia Foundation is called for greater awareness and urgent investment in research to tackle one of the deadliest and under invested rare cancers in Australia – acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
While more than 120 types of blood cancer are individually considered rare, AML stands out for all the wrong reasons: it is fast, aggressive, and survival rates have barely improved in over two decades.
According to Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti, “AML is not just rare – its ruthless.”
“We’ve seen incredible progress in the treatment and survival for some blood cancers, but comparatively AML has been left behind,” Mr Tanti said.
“The harsh reality is, if you’re diagnosed with AML, there’s an 80 per cent chance you won’t survive. That’s not just unacceptable – it’s unthinkable in 2025.”
Despite accounting for just 6% of all blood cancer diagnoses, AML causes more than 20% of blood cancer-related deaths.
It impacts people of all ages – from children to older adults – and its symptoms often appear suddenly and progress rapidly, leaving little time for intervention.
“Right now, AML is a near-certain death sentence for far too many Australians. Sadly, one in two people won’t survive twelve months from their diagnosis.
“And the truth is – we don’t have the answers – yet. But research, improved awareness and increased support for patients can help change the dial.
“We need to stop treating rare blood cancers like they’re rare problems. They’re real. They’re deadly. And they deserve urgent attention.”
The statistics on AML speak volumes:
– For children, one in four will not survive beyond five years.
– For adults, that number is three in four.
AML is also the second most common cancer in children under 15, and among the top three causes of childhood cancer deaths in Australia.
Fuelling the issue, is that from the time you present to a doctor, AML can take up to two to three months to diagnose, drastically impacting treatment options and survival outcomes.
“Too many Australians are falling victim to AML. And while you can’t screen for it, or you can’t prevent it, there is something you can do – know the signs to help enable an earlier diagnosis,” Mr Tanti said.
“Ongoing fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, bleeding or weight loss, and swollen lymphoma nodes are common symptoms of AML.
“By spotting these early, you could increase your chance of survival by up to 30 per cent[x].”
The Leukaemia Foundation however believes the most critical step to reversing the impact of AML is greater investment in blood cancer research focused on early detection and treatment, and more support for patients.
“Since 2000, the Leukaemia Foundation has invested more than $87 million in blood cancer research, with most of our current research investment focused on AML.
“We’re proud to be backing some of Australia’s best and brightest researchers who are working on tomorrow’s answers, whilst standing beside families who critically need our help today.
“With the right investment, we believe we can rewrite the future for people with AML. But without it, the story stays the same – and too many lives will be lost.”
The Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences have both echoed the call for urgent investment through the Blood Cancer Research Roadmap. Without it, AML survival rates will continue to lag.
The Leukaemia Foundation is urging Australians to donate to support life-saving research and vital services for families facing AML and other blood cancers via its tax appeal.
“Beloved Australian Magda Szubanski’s recent diagnosis has reminded us that blood cancer can strike anyone, at any time. And whilst her diagnosis is also rare, the grief it causes is all too common,” added Mr Tanti.
“That’s why we’re calling on Australians to back our research, support our services, and help give people with AML, and all blood cancers, a fighting chance.”
To donate to the Leukaemia Foundation’s tax appeal, or learn more about AML and blood cancer, visit www.leukaemia.org.au
