Leslie Massey
Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, which can arise in almost any part of the body. In 2022, around 1.8% of Australians or 456,200 people had cancer, with males being slightly more likely to have cancer than females. Australia has the highest cancer rate in the world, with 468 cases reported per 100,000 people. Skin cancer is the most commonly reported type of cancer in Australia, with more than one in three people diagnosed with it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer Rate in Australia | 468 cases per 100,000 people |
| Cancer Rate in Males | 2.1% |
| Cancer Rate in Females | 1.6% |
| Cancer Rate in people aged 75 years and over | 8.7% |
| Cancer Rate in people aged over 85 | 43% |
| Number of new cancer cases in 2018 | 146,335 |
| Number of new cancer cases in 2022 | 162,163 (estimated) |
| Number of deaths from cancer in 1982 | 24,915 |
| Number of deaths from cancer in 2020 | 48,266 |
| Number of deaths from colorectal cancer in 1982 | 3,704 |
| Number of deaths from colorectal cancer in 2022 | 5,276 |
| Five-year relative survival rate for cancer between 1989-1993 | 52% |
| Five-year relative survival rate for cancer between 2014-2018 | 70% |
| Five-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer between 1991-1995 | 56% |
| Five-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer between 2016-2020 | 71% |
| Most common type of cancer | Skin cancer (34.9%) |
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What You'll Learn
Australia has the highest cancer rate worldwide
Males are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than females, with 88,982 predicted male cases in 2022 compared to 73,181 female cases. This gender difference is more pronounced in older age groups, with 11.8% of males over 75 having cancer compared to 6.7% of females. Overall, people aged 75 and over are more likely to have cancer than any other age group, with 8.7% affected.
Skin cancer is the most commonly reported type of cancer in Australia, with over one in three people with cancer having this diagnosis. This high rate of skin cancer may be due, in part, to Australia's high UV levels. Colorectal cancer is also common, with 14,534 new cases diagnosed in 2020, making it the fourth most common cancer in Australia that year.
The good news is that cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the years. Individuals diagnosed with cancer in Australia had a 70% chance of surviving for five years between 2014 and 2018, compared to a 52% five-year relative survival rate between 1989 and 1993. This improvement in survival rates is also seen in colorectal cancer, with a five-year relative survival rate increasing from 56% between 1991 and 1995 to 71% between 2016 and 2020.
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Skin cancer is the most common type
Australia has the highest rate of cancer in the world. In 2022, around one in fifty people (1.8% or 456,200) in Australia had cancer. This figure is projected to increase to 468 cases per 100,000 people, or 162,163 new cases, in 2022.
Males are more likely to have cancer than females (2.1% compared to 1.6%). This gender disparity increases with age, with 11.8% of males over 75 having cancer compared to 6.7% of females. Overall, people aged 75 and over are more likely to have cancer than any other age group (8.7%). It is estimated that around 2 in 5 people (43%) will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
The high rate of skin cancer in Australia may be due to various factors, including high sun exposure and outdoor lifestyles. Australia is known for its sunny climate and outdoor culture, which can increase the risk of UV radiation exposure and subsequent skin cancer development.
It is important to note that the Australian Cancer Database relies on voluntary reporting, and the actual incidence of skin cancer may be higher than reported. Additionally, the database excludes non-melanoma skin cancers, which are the most common type of skin cancer.
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Cancer survival rates are improving
While Australia has the highest rates of cancer worldwide, cancer survival rates in the country are improving. In 2018, there were 146,335 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia, with an estimated 162,163 new cases in 2022. It is projected that around 43% of people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
Despite the high prevalence of cancer in Australia, survival rates have been improving over the past few decades. Between 1989-1993 and 2014-2018, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined increased from 52% to 70%. This improvement is even more evident when comparing more recent data, with the five-year relative survival rate increasing to 71% in 2015-2019. This indicates that individuals diagnosed with cancer in Australia have a higher chance of long-term survival compared to previous years.
The improvement in cancer survival rates can be attributed to various factors, including advancements in cancer treatment, early detection, and improved healthcare. Additionally, public health initiatives aimed at cancer prevention and control have played a significant role. For instance, the World Cancer Research Fund recommends maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and consuming a healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, while limiting fast food, red or processed meat, alcohol, and sugary drinks. These preventive measures can reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health outcomes.
While the survival rates have improved, it is important to acknowledge that the improvements are not uniform across all demographic groups in Australia. For instance, there is a widening gap in cancer mortality rates between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people. Additionally, individuals living in disadvantaged areas, those with disabilities, and those with lower socioeconomic status continue to face higher cancer risks and may experience varying survival outcomes.
Despite the overall improvement in cancer survival rates, continued efforts are necessary to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and cancer treatment across all segments of the Australian population. Furthermore, promoting cancer prevention strategies and early detection initiatives remains crucial in reducing the impact of cancer and improving survival rates for all Australians.
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Bowel cancer statistics
Australia has the highest rates of cancer worldwide, with 468 cases reported per 100,000 people. In 2022, around one in fifty people (1.8% or 456,200) in Australia had cancer. Of these, more than one in three (34.9%) had skin cancer, making it the most commonly reported type of cancer.
Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2020, there were 14,534 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed (7,833 males and 6,701 females). By the end of 2018, 56,200 people were living with colorectal cancer (diagnosed between 2016 and 2020). The five-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer has increased from 56% between 1991 and 1995 to 71% between 2016 and 2020. In 2022, colorectal cancer was the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with 5,276 deaths (2,746 males and 2,530 females). It is estimated that in 2024, there will be 5,239 deaths from colorectal cancer (2,730 males and 2,509 females).
The lifetime risk of a bowel cancer diagnosis is 1 in 16 persons. In 2024, it is estimated that a person has a 1 in 74 (or 1.4%) risk of dying from colorectal cancer by the age of 85 (1 in 67 or 1.5% for males and 1 in 83 or 1.2% for females).
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Cancer prevention
According to statistics, Australia has the highest rate of cancer cases worldwide. In 2018, there were 146,335 new cases of cancer diagnosed in the country, and this number is estimated to grow to 162,163 new cases in 2022. This equates to around 468 cases per 100,000 people, with males being slightly more likely to have cancer than females.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight, especially obesity, is a significant risk factor for various cancers, including breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity is an essential part of cancer prevention. It lowers the risk of specific cancers, such as breast cancer, and improves overall health by boosting immune function and maintaining healthy hormone levels.
Healthy Diet
Adopting a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans while limiting fast food, red or processed meat, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco use is a well-known risk factor for numerous cancers, including lung, head and neck, bladder, breast, kidney, and cervix cancers. Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products are crucial steps in cancer prevention.
Vaccination
Vaccines can help prevent certain types of cancer. For example, the HPV vaccine can lower the risk of cervical cancer.
By following these preventive measures and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has the highest rate of cancer in the world. In 2022, around one in fifty people (1.8% or 456,200) had cancer. In 2018, there were 146,335 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia, and it is estimated that in 2022, 162,163 new cases will be diagnosed.
In 2014–2018, individuals diagnosed with cancer had a 70% chance of surviving for five years. This is an increase from 52% in the period between 1989–1993 and 2014–2018.
Skin cancer is the most commonly reported type of cancer in Australia, with more than one in three people (34.9%) having it.
