The Cottesloe Golf Club hosted a charity golf event on Friday to raise vital funds for Blood Cancer Research WA (BCRWA), led by Professor Chan Cheah.
The initiative, founded in 2016 by Professor Cheah, focuses on providing patients with access to new blood cancer treatments through clinical trials, ensuring they can receive cutting-edge care without needing to travel interstate or overseas.
Blood cancer is projected to become the leading cause of cancer death in Australia by 2030, with an estimated 186,000 Australians expected to lose their lives to the disease.
Indigenous people suffer from a higher rate of death from the condition, driven by First Nations people being less likely to have the disease detected early, and also by a lack of access to treatment in Indigenous and predominantly Indigenous communities.
Currently, 54 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day—one every 27 minutes—while over 135,000 Australians are living with the disease. By 2035, this number is expected to rise to 275,000 Australians living with blood cancer.
Since its inception, BCRWA has opened numerous clinical trials, granting over 1,000 patients access to potentially lifesaving treatments. The charity event was organised by Gary Johnson, a former patient of Professor Cheah, who has been cancer-free for five years.
Being a keen golfer, Mr Johnson decided to organise the charity golf event as a way to raise funds for Blood Cancer Research WA. The event, which he has held twice now, has raised significant funds to support clinical trials, with his first event raising $230,000.
The event saw strong community support, with many former Fremantle and West Coast football players—such as Shaun McManus, Peter and Phillip Matera, and Sharrod Wellingham—joining to raise awareness and funds for this important cause.
Former Fremantle and Sydney AFL player Troy Cook also participated in the event and said that when he realised it was a fundraiser for blood cancer, he knew it would be great to get involved.
"It's always good to get out and compete at the golf club, and at the end of it, hopefully raise a bit of money for a really good cause," he said.
Professor Cheah emphasised how the funds raised will directly support the implementation of clinical trials, bringing new treatments to patients earlier.
"We use the funds raised to hire people to help deliver clinical trials. Clinical trials are the best way to access new treatments that aren't yet approved in Australia. It's cutting-edge, bringing hope and potential cures to people years before they would otherwise be available," he said.
Efforts to improve healthcare access for remote and Indigenous communities were also highlighted by Professor Cheah, who underscored the role of outreach clinics and telehealth services in ensuring equitable care.
"Many of my colleagues travel to regional centres like Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and Esperance. Telehealth has been a great tool, allowing high-quality care to be delivered to patients in their homes, even in places like Kununurra or Fitzroy Crossing," he said.
"We're trying to make things more equitable for those who live far from major health centres."
Mr Cook delivered a crucial message to the Indigenous community about health awareness, encouraging better habits and early check-ups.
"Health is most important for our mob. Unfortunately, the statistics aren't good in that area… When you reach a certain age, make sure you get checked up," he said.
He also urged younger generations to be mindful of their health.
"For the young ones as well, make sure you educate yourself on what's really good to put in your body, what to eat. Try and stay away from alcohol and smoking as well. I think that's the big no-no's for us."
With strong community involvement and the dedication of individuals like Mr Johnson and Professor Cheah, the event aims to not only surpass previous fundraising efforts but also to raise greater awareness in the ongoing fight against blood cancer.
