Lyla Lindsey
Cancer is a leading cause of illness and death in Australia. In 2021, it was estimated that 151,000 Australians would be diagnosed with cancer, with 49,000 expected to die from the disease. By 2024, it is projected that there will be around 169,000 cancer cases in Australia, with 53,000 deaths. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 8,900 deaths in 2024. The five-year survival rate for cancer has improved significantly over the years, increasing from 52% between 1989-1993 to 70% between 2014-2018. However, cancer incidence and survival rates vary across the population, with Indigenous Australians having lower survival rates and higher incidence rates compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
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What You'll Learn
- Cancer survival rates: 70% of people diagnosed in 2014-2018 survived for five years
- Cancer incidence: 151,000 new cases estimated in 2021
- Cancer mortality: 49,000 deaths estimated in 2021
- Most common cancers: skin, breast, prostate, melanoma, colorectal, and lung
- Cancer by gender: males are more likely to be diagnosed, but rates are rising among females
Cancer survival rates: 70% of people diagnosed in 2014-2018 survived for five years
Cancer is a leading cause of illness and mortality in Australia, affecting a substantial portion of the population. According to statistics, around 43% or two in five Australians are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis by the age of 85. This equates to approximately 146,335 new cases of cancer in 2018, with projections of 162,163 new cases in 2022.
Amidst these sobering statistics, there is a glimmer of hope in the survival rates. Individuals diagnosed with cancer in Australia between 2014 and 2018 had a 70% chance of surviving for five years. This represents a notable improvement from the previous five-year period of 1989-1993, when the five-year relative survival rate for cancer was 52%. The survival rate for the 2014-2018 period was slightly higher for females at 72% compared to 69% for males.
It is worth noting that cancer survival rates have been steadily increasing over time, narrowing the gap between incidence and mortality rates. The five-year relative survival rate for cancer rose to 71% for the period between 2016 and 2020. Some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and melanoma, have even higher survival rates, surpassing 90%.
While cancer survival rates have improved, it is important to acknowledge disparities. For instance, Indigenous Australians have a 14% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer and a 20% lower chance of surviving at least five years post-diagnosis compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Additionally, individuals in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas have higher cancer incidence rates than those in less disadvantaged areas.
The encouraging trend in cancer survival rates can be attributed to various factors, including advancements in medical treatments, earlier detection through screening programs, and improved patient care. These improvements have contributed to a significant increase in the number of people living with or beyond cancer in Australia, currently estimated at over one million.
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Cancer incidence: 151,000 new cases estimated in 2021
Cancer is a leading cause of illness and death in Australia, affecting millions of people. In 2021, it was estimated that approximately 151,000 Australians would be diagnosed with cancer, translating to 413 new cases each day. This estimate represents a significant increase from the 88,000 cases diagnosed in 2000, with population growth and ageing being the primary drivers.
The age-standardised incidence rate of cancer has shown a downward trend, decreasing from a peak of 508 cases per 100,000 people in 2008 to an estimated 486 cases per 100,000 people in 2021. However, it is important to note that cancer incidence rates for females have been on the rise over the past two decades, increasing from 404 to an estimated 441 cases per 100,000 females. This increase can be attributed, in part, to the rising incidence of lung cancer due to higher smoking rates among females in the past.
The projections for 2024 indicate that cancer cases in Australia will continue to rise, with an estimated 169,000 cases expected to be diagnosed that year. This increase in cancer incidence is influenced by population growth and the ageing population, as older individuals become a larger proportion of the population.
While cancer survival rates have improved over the years, disparities exist. For example, Indigenous Australians are at a disadvantage, with a 14% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer and a 20% lower chance of surviving for at least five years compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Additionally, individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas have higher cancer incidence rates than those from more affluent areas.
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Cancer mortality: 49,000 deaths estimated in 2021
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. In 2021, around 15% of all deaths were due to cancer, making it one of the most common causes of death worldwide. The global cancer death rate is expected to increase over time, with a projected 18.2 million cancer-related deaths by 2050. This rise can be attributed to a growing and ageing population.
In Australia, cancer is a significant health concern. While the country has made notable progress in cancer treatment and management, the disease continues to impact a large number of people. In 2021, it was estimated that 49,000 people in Australia would die from cancer. This estimate underscores the ongoing challenge posed by cancer in the country.
The cancer mortality rate in Australia varies across different population groups. For example, the rate is higher among men than women, with 171.5 deaths per 100,000 men compared to 126.3 deaths per 100,000 women. Additionally, certain types of cancer have higher mortality rates than others. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, with an estimated 8,900 deaths predicted for 2024. Melanoma, another significant cause of cancer deaths in Australia, has seen an increase in rates, with 70 cases per 100,000 people expected in 2024.
It is important to note that cancer survival rates in Australia have improved over time. Between 1989-1993 and 2014-2018, the five-year relative survival rate for cancer increased from 52% to 70%. This improvement can be attributed to various factors, including better screening methods, earlier diagnosis, advancements in medical treatments, and public health initiatives aimed at reducing risk factors.
While the estimated 49,000 cancer-related deaths in Australia for 2021 highlight the severity of the disease, ongoing efforts to improve cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention are crucial in reducing the impact of cancer on the population.
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Most common cancers: skin, breast, prostate, melanoma, colorectal, and lung
In Australia, 1 in 2 men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. In 2018, there were 146,335 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia, with an estimated 162,163 new cases in 2022. The most common cancers in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are prostate, breast, melanoma, colorectal (bowel), and lung cancer.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, but basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most prevalent types of skin cancer, are not notifiable diseases and are therefore not included in Australian Cancer Database statistics.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the most common cancer among females. Approximately 21,000 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with 1 in 7 women and 1 in 550 men being diagnosed in their lifetime. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2020, with 23,350 new cases diagnosed that year. It is estimated to remain the most common cancer in 2024, with 26,368 new cases projected. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death for Australian men, and it is expected to remain so in 2024.
Melanoma
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world, and it is sometimes referred to as "Australia's national cancer." In 2020, there were 14,686 new cases of melanoma of the skin diagnosed in Australia, with an estimated 18,964 new cases projected for 2024. Melanoma rates have increased from 53 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to an estimated 70 cases per 100,000 people in 2024.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2020, with 14,534 new cases that year. It is expected to remain the fourth most common cancer in 2024. Individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2016 and 2020 had a 71% chance of surviving for five years. In 2022, colorectal cancer was the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with 5,276 deaths that year.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer represents 9.1% of all new cancer diagnoses in Australia and is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer for both men and women. It is also the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, with an estimated 8,900 people projected to die from lung cancer in 2024.
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Cancer by gender: males are more likely to be diagnosed, but rates are rising among females
In Australia, cancer is a significant health concern, with an estimated two in five people (43%) expected to be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. In 2018, there were 146,335 new cases of cancer diagnosed, comprising 80,441 males and 65,889 females. While males continue to have a higher overall incidence of cancer, the gap between males and females is narrowing.
Research suggests that biological differences between the sexes play a crucial role in the higher cancer rates observed in males. Genetic factors, such as the presence of tumour suppressor genes on the X chromosome, may offer some protection against cancer for females, who have two X chromosomes. Additionally, hormonal differences, variations in immune system activity, and other biological factors likely contribute to the disparity in cancer rates between males and females.
Furthermore, behavioural and lifestyle factors may also influence the gender disparity in cancer incidence. However, studies have found that these factors have a more complex relationship with cancer development and may be less significant than previously thought. For example, while smoking and alcohol consumption are known risk factors for cancer, other behavioural and lifestyle factors, such as BMI, physical activity, and diet, may have a less direct impact on cancer risk.
Interestingly, the trend of increasing cancer rates among females is particularly evident in younger age groups. In 2021, the cancer incidence rate for females was 82% higher than for males, with breast cancer and thyroid cancer being the primary drivers of this increase. However, it is important to note that thyroid cancer rates have been decreasing in recent years.
In conclusion, while males are generally more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, the rates among females are rising, especially in younger age groups. This trend underscores the importance of continued research into the gender-specific factors influencing cancer development and the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies for males and females.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that there will be around 169,000 new cases of cancer in Australia in 2024.
The 5-year survival rate for cancer in Australia has improved over the years. It was 52% between 1989–1993 and 2014–2018, and increased to 71% between 2016 and 2020.
There are over 1 million people in Australia who are either currently living with cancer or have had it in the past.
Skin cancer is the most commonly reported type of cancer in Australia, with more than one in three people (34.9%) having it. Excluding skin cancer, the most common cancers are prostate, breast, melanoma, colorectal, and lung cancer.
