Great images, important stories.

Did you know?

• In Australia today, 53 people will be told they have blood cancer or one person every 27 minutes. Additionally, 16 people will lose their battle with the disease, with blood cancer claiming the lives of more than 5,950 people each year.

• The Leukaemia Foundation has found that blood cancers combined is the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, making blood cancer one of the nation’s most deadly cancers. In fact, 1 in 3 Australians diagnosed with blood cancer will not survive five years after their diagnosis.

• This year, 19,403 Australians will be newly diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and come 2035, blood cancer diagnosis per year is predicted to close to double.

• More than 135,000 people live with blood cancer or a related blood disorder in Australia today.

• The incidence of blood cancer continues to grow – over the past ten years alone, the incidence of blood cancer has soared with an increase of 47%.

• Blood cancer does not discriminate. It can develop in anyone and can occur at any age and any stage of life across all states and territories, from children to adolescents and young adults to working adults with families and older Australians.

• Unlike many other cancers, there are no screening programs available for blood cancer, and there is no way to prevent blood cancer through lifestyle change. Additionally, symptoms can sometimes be subtle or similar to other conditions such as a virus or COVID-19, often making it a silent disease that can be difficult to catch.

Resources for media

Every year, thousands of people from across Australia sign up to participate in World’s Greatest Shave. Many of these people have been directly or indirectly impacted by blood cancer, and additionally, many are willing and happy to tell their story and motivations for shaving. If you are a journalist looking for information to assist you in developing a story, our media team can provide you with details about:

• The history of World’s Greatest Shave – well-known people and celebrities who have taken part and money raised so far.

• The people participating this year – human interest stories, photo opportunities, fun and interesting shave events.

• Facts and statistics about blood cancer in Australia including leukaemia, lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders.

• Where the money raised from World’s Greatest Shave goes – including our vast range of services and support for people living with blood cancer and how we are working with our shavers towards our goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

Use our media toolkit and show the world the big-hearted hero you are!

One of the best ways to gather community support for your incredible fundraising efforts and raise awareness of the needs of all Australians facing blood cancer is to engage with your local media. 

To help you achieve your mission and show the world the hero you are, the Leukaemia Foundation’s media team have developed an easy-to-use media toolkit. 

In this media kit, you’ll find a lot of useful information your local journalists need to know about World’s Greatest Shave and we are here to help you every step of the way. Please email media@​leukaemia.​org.​au if you have any questions. 

Access media toolkits