Australians are more likely than ever to survive cancer
Despite more Australians than ever being diagnosed with cancer, our survival rate has soared, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) “Cancer in Australia 2017” report states.
Compared to 48 per cent between 1984 to 1988, the survival rate for Australians suffering cancer has risen to 68 per cent, reducing the number of deaths per 100,000 people from 209 to 161. Despite this, 50,000 are still expected to die from the disease this year alone.
However, while we’re less likely to die from cancer, the number of cases has increased at an “alarming” rate – particularly liver cancer and lung cancer. In fact, liver cancer’s mortality rate was the only common one to increase, with 1732 deaths recorded in 2013 to 2014 and the number only expected to grow.
Meanwhile, breast cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma are expected to be the most common types of cancer this year. Survival rates are currently highest for those diagnosed with prostate cancer, thyroid cancer and melanoma, while lung cancer and pancreatic cancer remain the deadliest.
“Lung cancer continues to be our biggest cancer killer,” Cancer Council Australia CEO Professor Sanchia Aranda said. “As well as a continued focus on prevention through promoting quitting smoking, research to improve lung cancer survival is vital.”
On the other hand, efforts to increase the survival rate of bowel cancer sufferers appear to be working. “Cancer Council modelling shows that if bowel cancer screening participation increased to 60 per cent by 2020, we could prevent 83,700 premature bowel cancer deaths over the next two decades.”
85 per cent of new cancer cases occur in people over the age of 65, so if you have any suspicions or concerns about lumps, bumps, aches and pains, talk to your GP immediately.