Understanding the Impact of Cancer in Australia: Facts and Figures

Australian Cancer Statistics

To grasp how deeply cancer affects Australians, it's worth looking at the broader national landscape.  Australia continues to experience high rates of cancer diagnosis, with more than 160,000 new cancer-diagnosed cases reported annually. It includes a broad spectrum of cancers.  Breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer are among the most common cancers diagnosed. The burden is widespread but uneven; older populations and Indigenous Australians, including Torres Strait Islander people, face unique challenges in accessing timely and effective care.

Trends in Cancer Incidence Across Australia

The cancer incidence rates refer to the number of new cancer cases diagnosed during a specific period. In Australia, these rates have remained stable over the last decade, but new cases continue to rise due to population growth and improved screening efforts.



Detailed Insights:

• The top common cancers include breast, prostate, liver, and lung cancer.
• Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed in men, while breast leads among women.
• Liver cancer is growing in prevalence and is often detected late, leading to poor survival outcomes.
• Incidence patterns are regionally specific; for example, data from South Australia shows a higher incidence of liver and colorectal cancers among residents aged 50+.

Contributing Factors:

• Aging population and increased longevity.
• Improved diagnostic technologies and public awareness.
• Environmental and lifestyle influences (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, diet)

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, primarily because symptoms often appear when the disease is already advanced. It's not the most commonly diagnosed, but it is one of the most lethal.

Key Statistics:

• Lung cancer is responsible for approximately 18% of cancer-related deaths in Australia.
• Cancer survival rates remain low, around 20%, due to late-stage diagnoses.
• The age-standardised mortality rate for lung cancer remains one of the highest among all cancers.

At-risk Populations:

• Older adults, particularly those over 65.
• Individuals with a history of smoking or occupational exposure to chemicals.
• Rural populations with limited access to diagnostic imaging and respiratory specialists.



Support Strategies:

• Early symptom recognition and screening programs.
• Remote alert system can help trigger nurse intervention if early symptoms are noticed (e.g., coughing, breathlessness).
• Emergency response capability helps manage sudden deterioration or falls related to treatment side effects.

Prostate Cancer & Breast Cancer

These two cancers are highly prevalent but show significantly better outcomes when identified early.

Risk Factors:

• Excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood or adolescence.
• Fair skin, light hair, and a tendency to burn rather than tan.
• Family history of melanoma or presence of many moles or atypical skin lesions.



Current Trends:

• Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates globally, especially in people over 50.
• Early detection leads to very high survival, with five-year survival over 90%.
• Rural populations may experience delays in diagnosis due to fewer dermatology services.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly if not detected early. While highly treatable in its early stages, advanced melanoma can become life-threatening in a short period of time.

Risk Factors:

• Excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood or adolescence.
• Fair skin, light hair, and a tendency to burn rather than tan.
• Family history of melanoma or presence of many moles or atypical skin lesions.



Current Trends:

• Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates globally, especially in people over 50.
• Early detection leads to very high survival, with five-year survival over 90%.
• Rural populations may experience delays in diagnosis due to fewer dermatology services.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia. It often develops slowly and can be caught early through regular screening.

Key Statistics:

• Second leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia.
• Five-year survival rate exceeds 70% if caught in the early stages.
• Screening programs for people aged 50–74 have significantly improved detection.



At-risk Populations:

• Adults over 50, especially with a family history of bowel cancer.
• Individuals with diets high in processed meats and low in fibre.
• People with chronic bowel inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.