Spotlight on number one cancer in Australian children

The spotlight was well and truly shone on blood cancer on International Childhood Cancer Day, February 15, to raise awareness of the number one cancer in Australian children.

It’s on the rise, ripping away the childhoods of those affected.

Blood cancer, specifically leukaemia and lymphoma, is responsible for approximately one in every two cancers diagnosed in Australians under the age of 19.

More infants, toddlers, children and teenagers are diagnosed with blood cancer than any other cancer in this country, with lengthy treatment regimens and debilitating side effects having a dire impact on those diagnosed.

Terrigal mum of three Caitlin Worgan is currently caring for her daughter Sienna, 11, who was just 10 when she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Caitlin, her husband Scott and their children Scarlet, 13, Sienna and Mace, 7, were on a holiday at Hamilton Island when Sienna screamed of pain in her legs and stomach.

Initially diagnosed as having a tummy bug by a GP on the island, Sienna felt better after a couple of days.

But when they returned home, the pain came back, along with a rash.

Within two hours of arriving at hospital, Caitlin received the shocking news that Sienna had leukaemia.

Sienna underwent 10 months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy.

She suffered two strokes, a rare side effect, which temporarily impaired her ability to talk or even move.

After almost a year in hospital, Sienna is back at home undergoing maintenance chemotherapy and regular check-ups.

On International Childhood Cancer Day, the Leukaemia Foundation is calling for greater awareness, and support, for the growing number of Australian children, and their families affected by the disease.

“Today in Australia, at least one family will hear the devastating and life altering news that their child has blood cancer,” said Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti.

“They are then immediately thrust into the unfamiliar and scary world of life-saving treatment, leaving their homes and loved ones behind to relocate to treating hospitals around the country.

“For some children in Australia, this can mean up to two years away from home.

“Away from everything and everyone they’ve ever known.

“Their childhood changes in an instant, their innocence ripped away, only to be replaced with the confines of a hospital, many tests, chemotherapy, treatments and procedures that no child should ever have to face.”

With the numbers of blood cancer incidence and mortality on the rise in all age groups in Australia, concerningly the disease is set to impact more children in the future with no sign of it slowing down.

Australia has seen a 40% increase in blood cancer incidence in Australian children in the past two decades with blood cancers set to become the most prevalent cancer by 2035.

 “Although treatment options and survival rates have greatly improved over time, sadly every fortnight one Australian child or teenager will lose their life to blood cancer with the disease ranked as the second highest cause of childhood cancer deaths in this country,” Tanti said.