Policy and advocacy: campaigning for change

We’re championing the needs of people living with blood cancer

This year 19,453 Australians will be newly diagnosed with blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. This is equivalent to 53 people every day or one person every 27 minutes.

We advocate for better policies, easier access to new and innovative medications and therapies, better diagnostics and, ultimately, better outcomes so that more people can survive blood cancer and have a better quality of life.

In 2019, together with the Blood Cancer Taskforce, the Leukaemia Foundation was commissioned by the Australian Government to develop and deliver Australia’s first ever National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer on behalf of the blood cancer community. We also help to fast-track affordable access to innovative treatments by engaging with the Federal government and regulatory bodies.

In 2023, we made 13 submissions to relevant Parliamentary Inquiries and consultations to ensure that health policies, strategic plans, and reviews made by governments at all levels acknowledge and consider the unique challenges faced by people living with blood cancer in Australia.

In FY 22-23, we made 10 submissions to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and Medical Services Advisory Committee supporting the listing of new blood cancer drugs and therapies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) respectively. Listing on the PBS or MBS, or through other government funding agreements and schemes, allows patients easier and cheaper access to vital medications and therapies.

We have also helped drive the evidence base for further reform by conducting the largest ever survey of blood cancer patients; State of the Nation: Blood Cancers in Australia. The report draws on the lived experiences of over 4,600 Australians living with blood cancer, and reveals that while gains are being made, lives are still unnecessarily lost due to inconsistencies in treatment.

We will continue to advocate for increased public awareness of blood cancer symptoms and issues faced by people living with blood cancers and their supporters, and for their lived experiences to guide future action.