Dr Google proves popular prescription for blood cancer
Announcement posted by Leukaemia Foundation Australia 01 Aug 2017
Embargoed
0001hrs Tuesday 1 August 2017
Dr Google proves popular prescription for blood cancer
A leading charity has today revealed national online searches for information relating to blood cancer are soaring, reflecting increasing diagnosis and mortality rates.
The Leukaemia Foundation’s analysis of search traffic shows in 2016-17 there were an average 56,842 monthly searches for the terms ‘blood cancer’ and ‘leukaemia’, ‘lymphoma’ and ‘myeloma’, the three most common types of blood cancer.
It’s a 44% increase on the average 39,547 monthly searches in 2013-14. In March this year alone there were over 69,600 searches nationally - a four-year monthly high1.
The charity has warned the number of Australians being diagnosed is also increasing, with 35 people now being diagnosed every day, up from 31 people just four years ago2.
And latest statistics show 4,412 people nationwide died from blood cancer in 2015, compared to 3,700 in 2006 – an increase of nearly 20 per cent3.
Bill Petch, CEO of the Leukaemia Foundation, said the charity was investigating the increase in searches but the data backs up their own recent qualitative research showing more patients are looking for authoritative information online.
“This new data paints a troubling picture about the growing problem of blood cancer in New South Wales,” Mr Petch said.
“We’re not yet sure exactly why but it’s clear there are more people than ever using search engines to find out more about this dangerous disease - and that may mean more people out there who need support.
“Couple this new data with increasing blood cancer diagnosis and mortality rates, which show for every three people diagnosed someone dies, it’s clear we have much work ahead of us.
“This country’s 60,000-strong blood cancer community is growing every day and it’s important we’re there for each and every family in their darkest hour, providing them with the support and services they need to beat their blood cancer.”
The Leukaemia Foundation’s long-running Light the Night fundraising event is held each October and sees those impacted by blood cancer join others on a similar journey for a twilight walk. Join a local event at lightthenight.org.au.
–ENDS–
1. Google AdWords Tools, Keyword Planner. Australia, all languages, Google (exc Search Partners), keywords: ‘blood cancer’, ‘leukaemia’, ‘leukemia’, ‘lymphoma’, ‘myeloma’.
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014. Cancer in Australia: an overview 2014. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2015. Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality.
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Causes of Death, Australia, 2015
About Light the Night
Now in its tenth year, Light the Night is a unique event bringing Australia’s blood cancer community together in more than 140 locations in October to remember and reflect during a moving ceremony and short lantern walk.
Last year, more than 35,000 people from every Australian state and territory attended a Light the Night event, together raising more than $2 million.
Those attending raise money beforehand to help give local families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support that will light the way forward.
Light the Night fundraisers all receive a coloured lantern to carry as darkness falls and celebrate what they’ve achieved to help people with blood cancer.
About the Leukaemia Foundation
The Leukaemia Foundation is helping more Australians with blood cancer survive and live a better quality of life.
Thanks to its supporters, the Leukaemia Foundation helps hundreds of families from regional Australia each year by providing free accommodation in capital cities so they can access life-saving treatment at major hospitals.
The charity also offers free transport to medical appointments, counselling, information, education and practical support to families when they need it most.
For more information, please contact:
Monique Cerreto, Marketing and Communications Manager
mcerreto@leukaemia.org.au
0478 300 507 / 9902 2225