The vast majority of Australians cannot name a single symptom of one of the country’s deadliest cancers.
New research from the Leukaemia Foundation shows only one in five Aussies can name a symptom associated with blood cancer.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said the lack of awareness of blood cancer symptoms could be devastating, especially since the rate of the cancer has increased by 79 percent over the past 20 years.
Mr Tanti said there was currently no screening available to prevent, or reduce the risk of, being diagnosed, so understanding the signs and symptoms was critical.
“This latest research clearly proves Australians are dangerously in the dark when it comes to knowing the signs and symptoms of blood cancer,” he said.
“With one in 12 Australians at risk of being diagnosed with blood cancer in their lifetime and one in three patients already facing a delay in diagnosis, the lack of awareness could be devastating.”
Mr Tanti said blood cancer was Australia’s hidden cancer crisis and on was track to overtake all other cancers in this country to be the most diagnosed and deadly cancer by 2035.
“Without knowing the signs and symptoms, people may not visit their GP or seek help early, leaving them at risk of a delayed diagnosis and treatment.”
He said the new findings mirrored research from 2021, showing that awareness of blood cancer signs and symptoms had not improved.
The seven symptoms of blood cancer Australians may be ignoring:
- Recurrent infections.
- Increased fatigue.
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Drenching night sweats.
- Pain in bones, joints or abdomen.
- Enlarged lymph nodes, lumps or swellings
“If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we urge you not to wait. Visit your GP immediately. It could be the most important decision you ever make,” Mr Tanti said.
To learn more visit bloodcancer.org.au.
