Blood Cancer Research

Blood cancer occurs when normal blood cell production, which happens in the bone marrow, is interrupted by the uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. When abnormal blood cells build up in the blood, it can affect how the rest of the body functions. 

Blood cancer is on the rise in Australia. Around 20,000 Australians are estimated to be diagnosed with a blood cancer in 2025, with the age-standardised incidence rate increasing from 66 cases per 100,000 people in 2003 to 73 cases per 100,000 in 2025*. Continued research is critical to developing better treatments and improving outcomes. 

(*Source: Australian Insititute of Health and Welfare)

Leukaemia starts in the bone marrow where developing blood cells (usually white cells) undergo a malignant change. These cells then crowd the marrow, affecting the body’s ability to produce normal blood cells. There are four kinds of leukaemia: acute lymphoblastic, acute myeloid, chronic lymphocytic, and chronic myeloid.

In 2025, an estimated 2,191 deaths in Australia were due to leukaemia. However, survival rates have improved significantly over time. The five-year relative survival rate increased from 43% in 1987–1991 to 66% in 2017–2021.*

(*Source: Cancer Australia)

Symptoms can include:

• Signs of anaemia

• Chronic infection (such as fevers, sweats, sores)

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Joint pain

• Spontaneous bruising and increased bleeding

• Painful passing of urine

Lymphoma

Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system, part of the immune system which protects the body against disease and infection. These occur when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) undergo a malignant change and multiply in an uncontrolled way. The lymphoma cells then accumulate to form tumours in the lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which can be distinguished by the specific lymphocytes involved.

Symptoms can include:

• Swelling of lymph nodes

• Fever

• Night sweats

• Sudden weight loss

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

Myeloma

Myeloma develops in plasma cells (a type of white cell) of the bone marrow. It is often called multiple myeloma because marrow is found in multiple bones such as the spine, skull, ribs, pelvis, and shoulder. The five-year survival rate for myeloma is 51%.

Symptoms can include:

• Kidney problems

• Frequent nose bleeding

• Feeling pain in the bones

• Fatigue

• Chronic infections that don’t go away

Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals or solvents is a known risk associated with leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Infection of HIV, which can weaken the immune system, Epstein-Barr virus (herpes), and Human T-Cell leukaemia virus, can also increase risk.

People assigned male at birth are at a slightly greater risk of lymphoma. Having a family history of Hodgkin lymphoma increases the risk of this disease. This is also more common in early adulthood (people in their 20s). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in late adulthood (60 above).