September saw the National Taskforce created to break barriers for treatments for Australians with blood cancer.

Launched in early September, the taskforce has begun to help raise awareness for Australian living with blood cancers to get the help they need.

Early this week saw a ground-breaking moment for people with blood cancer in Australia.

The Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP launched the National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer, supported by the Blood Cancer Taskforce, leading haematologists, researchers, patients and partners from across the entire Australian blood cancer community.

The Minister for Health’s announcement includes Federal Government support as a first step towards implementing the ambitious agenda outlined in the National Action Plan and to continue the important work of the Blood Cancer Taskforce.

The plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the impact of blood cancer and work towards achieving the bold vision of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

Executive Director of Mater Research Professor Maher Gandhi supports the taskforce, by heading up the diagnosis working group. A month since its launch Professor Gandhi said the “results has begun to show empowerment for patients and their families”.

“When we support and enable access to novel and specialised therapies, we help save the lives of Australians living with blood cancers. It’s a diagnosis that occurs every 31 minutes and it’s time to change the outcomes for those living with this silent disease.”

Find out more about the National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer by visiting the Leukaemia Foundation website.