A new collaborative study showcased today at the launch of 'Thank You Day' in Tasmania aims to throw light on the genetic causes of leukaemia and other blood cancers and improve tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

A new collaborative study showcased today at the launch of 'Thank You Day' in Tasmania aims to throw light on the genetic causes of leukaemia and other blood cancers and improve tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

In Australia, more than 6,000 cases of blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are diagnosed each year.

Leukaemia is the most common form of cancer in children and the second largest cause of death in young people under 15 years.

Professor Simon Foote says the Menzies Research Institute has a new research project which aims to better understand the causes of leukaemia and other blood cancers with a view to improving diagnosis and treatment options.

"Although therapies for blood cancers have improved over the years and survival rates have increased, treatments are not always successful and can be associated with serious side effects.

"Our researchers are examining the genetic profiles of families who have multiple members affected with blood cancers to identify genes that may play a role in the development of disease," he said.

Professor Foote says that this project, an exciting collaboration between the Menzies Research Institute, the Faculty of Health Science and the Royal Hobart Hospital, has the potential to benefit cancer sufferers worldwide.

"Whilst the outcomes of this project will most likely be of long term benefit rather than short term, we hope that this research will assist in understanding the process of development of the disease, reveal new strategies for treatment and allow the development of new treatment regimes."

Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Professor Allan Carmichael, says that this research is only possible through the support of the community.

"We are very fortunate in Tasmania to be able to collaborate with excellent researchers both locally and internationally, and we also receive tremendous support and input from study participants, their families and the wider community," he said.

The study was showcased today at a morning tea to celebrate Research Australia's 'Thank You' Day 2006, hosted by the University of Tasmania's Faculty of Health Science and the Menzies Research Institute. Tasmanian researchers, volunteers, study participants and supporters gathered to be thanked and in turn show appreciation for the amazing achievements of our health and medical researchers.

All Australians are encouraged to get involved in 'Thank You' Day by sending a personal message of thanks to researchers on the website (www.thankyouday.org) or SMS a message to 0428 THANKS (0428 842657). The national series of events will conclude with the 'Thank You' Day Awards Dinner in Sydney on November 14.

The Leukaemia study has been funded by grants from Perpetual Trustees.

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