Australia’s Health 2016 identified that cancer is not the number 1 cause of death in Australia. Cancer includes a large number of cancer types and it is the combination of these that makes cancer the number 1 cause, as there are over 100 types of cancer.
Although the number of new cases of cancer continues to rise, the actual rate of cancer is predicted to be slightly declining since 2012.
The most commonly diagnosed cancer in males is currently prostate cancer, followed by colorectal cancer, melanoma, then lung cancer. For females the most common cancer diagnosed is breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma of the skin, then lung cancer (same as males).
In terms of new diagnosis for cancer, males will account for 55% of diagnosed cancer, making them a group of higher risk for cancer. From 1982-2016 it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate for all cancers combined will increase by 22%. This increase has been attributed to increases in prostate cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancers. The increase in these cancers is mostly attributed to improved technology and diagnostics.
While cancer rates re increasing so are the 5 year survival rates. Since 1982 the survival rates for cancer have improves from 4o% to 66% for males and from 52% to 68% for females. This increased survival rate is attributed to earlier detection of cancer and improved treatments.
Sources
Australia’s Health 2016 http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129555788
Australia’s health 2016 – in Brief http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129557059
