In 2024, an estimated 20,000 Australians were diagnosed with blood cancer, with men comprising 59% of these cases. Among these, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is projected was the most common, followed by multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Incidence by Histology

Blood cancers represent an estimated 12% of all cancer cases in Australia in 2024. However, they are more common among younger populations, comprising approximately 40% of all cancer cases in individuals aged 0–19. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is notably prevalent in this age group, expected to account for 17% of all cancer diagnoses in children and adolescents in 2024.

Since 2003, the age-standardized incidence rate for blood cancers has increased from 66 cases per 100,000 people to an estimated 74 in 2024. Men continue to experience higher rates of blood cancer, with an estimated incidence of 92 cases per 100,000, compared to 58 cases per 100,000 for women.

Acute blood cancers cases diagnosed and incidence rates (Persons, all ages, 2003 to 2020) by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Survival Rates by Age

The five-year survival rate for blood cancers has significantly improved over time, rising from 47% in 1982–1987 to 66% in 2006–2010, and more recently, to 67% (2011–2015) and 70% (2016–2020). Younger age groups continue to have significantly higher survival rates, with over 90% survival in children and young adults. Specifically:

●        Ages 0–19 and 20–39: Over 90% five-year survival

●        Ages 40–59: Approximately 85%

●        Ages 60–79: Around 70%

●        80 years and older: 44%

Survival Rates by Cancer Type

Survival rates vary substantially between different types of blood cancers and have shown improvements over time. Among blood cancers with higher five-year survival in 2016–2020, compared to 2006–2010:

●        Immunoproliferative cancers: 92% (up from 88%).

●        Hodgkin lymphoma: 89% (up from 85%).

●        Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): 87% (up from 83%).

In contrast, some blood cancers have lower survival rates:

●        Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL): 74% (up from 69%).

●        Multiple myeloma (MM): 51% (up from 45%).

●        Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): 27% (up from 25%).

●        Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): 90%, with the highest rates observed in children.

●        Myelodysplastic syndromes: 39% (up from 35%).

Mortality Trends

The age-standardized mortality rate for blood cancers has declined over recent years, from 30 deaths per 100,000 people in 2000 to an estimated 23 per 100,000 in 2024. While both men and women have experienced this decline, men consistently have higher mortality rates.

The improvements in five-year survival rates for blood cancers over the decades reflect the advancements in treatment and early detection strategies. While some blood cancers like immunoproliferative cancers and Hodgkin lymphoma have seen remarkable survival rates, others like acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes continue to present significant challenges. Addressing these disparities through continued research and tailored interventions remains crucial for improving outcomes across all blood cancer types.

For more insight, please see

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e

Hope you found the insights useful. If you are interested in similar insights for your therapy area to better understand population health, hospitalisations or our solutions for sustainable patient programs. Feel free to get in touch with Prab PhD. or Dev Madeka