The Leukaemia Foundation recently shared the successful trial and implementation of a dedicated peer support group for young-middle aged adults aged 20-49 living with blood cancer at the 16th Oncology Social Work Australia & New Zealand (OSWANZ) Conference. This innovative initiative addresses a critical gap in support services for this often-overlooked demographic.

Why a dedicated support group?

Blood cancer predominantly affects older individuals, and accounts for forty percent of cancer diagnoses in people under 19. Diagnosis in middle adulthood is less common, meaning limited relevant support is available. This group faces a range of unique challenges, including:

Limited support

Many existing cancer support services have age restrictions, leaving this ‘sandwich’ generation without adequate resources.

Unique life stage

This demographic often navigates significant life transitions, such as career advancement, family planning, and relationship building, while simultaneously coping with a serious illness and long-term side effects. People in this group are also often caring for both children and ageing parents at the same time.

A collaborative approach

To develop this vital support group, the Leukaemia Foundation engaged a diverse group of people with blood cancer from this age group. This collaborative approach ensured that the group’s design and content were tailored to the specific needs of this population.

Key features of the support group

• Age-specific content: Topics are relevant to the unique experiences of young adults, such as fertility, career planning, and relationship building.
• Peer-led support: The group is co-facilitated by Leukaemia Foundation staff and peer support facilitators, providing a safe and empathetic space for participants to share their experiences.
• Online platform: The group is delivered online, making it accessible to individuals across Australia.
• Community building: Participants are encouraged to connect with each other beyond the group sessions, fostering a sense of belonging and ongoing support.

Positive impact

Early evaluations of the support group have yielded encouraging results. Participants have reported feeling less isolated, gaining valuable insights from their peers, and receiving much-needed emotional support.

This group is now embedded into the Leukaemia Foundation’s standard program and has being delivered three times this year.

Because everyone with blood cancer in Australia deserves a fair go, the Leukaemia Foundation aims to grow our age-specific online peer community, develop more peer support facilitators and promote the group with those transitioning from youth cancer services.

Feedback from participants

“I was very surprised that we don’t have many support services available for young adults with blood cancer. I wanted to ensure that other people who have to go through this don’t have to do it on their own. I thought the Leukaemia Foundation was the best avenue to seek this from.”

“The group is so important as there is nothing else like it. Younger people with blood cancers have been left feeling completely unheard and alone. Our life stage is so different to that of children, teenagers and the older generation and as such, we deal with matters such as returning to work and fertility.”

“The journeys we are on are our own, and within this space we all understand one another and that is pure magic to me, because I’m hearing other voices reflect my thoughts & feelings and it makes me feel validated in how I often feel.”

See upcoming Leukaemia Foundation educational events and support groups here.