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National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer

Our once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the impact of blood cancer

Blood cancers are one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia today and one of the biggest causes of cancer death.

The National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer is a blueprint to coordinate and accelerate national efforts to improve survival and quality of life for people diagnosed with blood cancer and to support their carers and families.

It identifies four major priorities:

  • Empower patients and their families
  • Accelerate research
  • Enable access to novel and specialised therapies
  • Achieve best practice.

The National Action Plan was commissioned by the Australian Government and launched by the Health Minister in Blood Cancer Awareness Month September 2020. Thank you to the many organisations and individuals who have supported and provided input into its development.

Read the plan

Get the full 64-page document

Read a summary

Plus download supporting documents

Your stories

The vision, priorities and actions in the National Action Plan are there to improve survival and quality of life for people living with a blood cancer.

A number of people living with blood cancer have kindly shared their experiences of being diagnosed and living with blood cancer in Australia today. They illustrate the importance of the four priority areas in the National Action Plan, and why we need action today.

Hunter’s story

Accelerating research

Hunter and his parents and brother walk along a pier

Matthew’s story

Enabling access to novel and specialised therapies

Matthew-Fogarty-Action-Plan-Blood-Cancer

Neda, Nikki and Shirley’s stories

Achieving best practice

Neda Masters, who was considering moving to America to access treatment.

Bronwyn’s story

Empowering patients and their families

Bronwyn Bisley

Turning the tables

The National Action Plan seeks to bring about real change for people living with blood cancer.

Led by the Leukaemia Foundation, in partnership with the entire blood cancer community, this initiative will save and improve lives, by ensuring every Australian with blood cancer has access to the best possible care and treatments, regardless of where they live, their circumstance or background.

If we don’t act now, by 2035 many more Australians will die unnecessarily from blood cancer.

Be part of the movement

Our members are the lifeblood of the Leukaemia Foundation and play an important role in shaping the future of the organisation and blood cancer.

Lend your voice and become a member today

Stay updated on progress of the National Action Plan


Last updated on September 24th, 2023

Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.