- The biggest increase in survival was for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, moving from 49 to 68 per cent
- Multiple myeloma rose from 27 to 44 per cent
- Leukemia rose from 43 to 59 per cent.
Currently, 155,593 people in Canada are living with or in remission from blood cancers.
Impact of blood cancer on Canadian society
Toll on patients and their families
For patients and their families, with people taking time off work, travelling to and from appointments, and feeling isolated from their previous lives, the toll is not only financial but stressful and emotionally draining.
Nadine Prévost, who leads community services and research with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, headed a research project to help the Society and oncology practitioners better understand the personal experience of blood cancer patients, how their lives and families are impacted, and how best to support them. The report, published in April 2024, identified a clear message conveyed by people affected by a blood cancer: “Treat me as an individual, not as a statistic or diagnosis.”
The report noted that people wanted frequent, personalized connections and touch-points for support and services to know they are “not alone.” Although those surveyed felt supported by their healthcare team, families and friends, they did not always feel fully understood about what they were going through and feeling emotionally. Almost a quarter of nurses interviewed said they ranked the provision of emotional support to patients, families and survivors as “the most important service expected from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.”