About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

More on Cancer Burden in Australia

by Kathy Jones on December 11, 2011 at 11:47 AM
 More on Cancer Burden in Australia

Cancer incidence rates have increased while deaths from cancer have steadily decreased over the last 25 years in Australia. Those are some of the findings of a recent study published early online in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Compared with any other disease group, cancer has the greatest overall impact on Australians' health, with one in two Australians developing cancer and one in five dying from it before the age of 85. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has produced an up-to-date snapshot of cancer in the country based on its cancer data holdings and regular reports, including statistics on incidence, mortality, survival, and participation in national cancer screening programs.

Advertisement

The study provides information from 2007, trends from 1982 to 2007, and estimations for 2010. In 2007, a total of 108,368 new cases of cancer (excluding basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) and 39,884 deaths from cancer occurred in Australia. Men were most often diagnosed with prostate cancer, while women were most often diagnosed with breast cancer. Lung cancer was by far the most common cause of cancer death in both males and females.

When looking at trends, the investigators found that the number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year increased from 1982 to 2007 for both males and females, which can be explained by the aging and increasing size of the population. In females, the overall cancer incidence rate rose from 1982 through the early 1990s, after which the rate remained relatively stable. In males, the overall cancer incidence rate rose from 1982 to 1994, followed by a decline in rates until the late 1990s, when rates began to rise again. From 1982 to 2007, cancer death rates have decreased steadily for both sexes, so that the five-year survival rates for many cancers have improved markedly since the 1980s.
Advertisement

The report uncovered certain disparities in cancer incidence and death rates in recent years. Most notably, the overall incidence rate of cancer for Indigenous Australians was lower than that for non-indigenous Australians, while the overall death rate from cancer was higher. More diagnoses at advanced stages, less uptake of cancer treatments, and a greater number of other illnesses may contribute to the higher death rates in Indigenous Australians.

To provide a more current picture of the cancer burden in Australia, the authors extrapolated their findings to 2010, noting that about 113,700 new cases of cancer (excluding basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) were expected to be diagnosed last year. Of these, 63,200 were expected to be in males and 50,500 in females. Compared with the numbers of new cancer cases diagnosed in 2007, this equates to a 2 percent increase in males and a 9 percent increase in females, mainly due to aging and growth of the population. Prostate cancer, bowel cancer, and melanoma of the skin in males, and breast cancer, bowel cancer, and melanoma of the skin in females were expected to continue to be the most commonly diagnosed cancers in 2010.

The researchers also looked at rates of participation in Australia's national screening programs for breast, cervical, and bowel cancers. From 2007 to 2008, over 1.6 million women had a screening mammogram through BreastScreen Australia, which translates to a participation rate of 55 percent for women in the target age group of 50 to 69 years. During that same time, over 3.6 million women participated in the National Cervical Screening Program, a participation rate of 61 percent for women in the target age group of 20 to 69 years. Also, almost 280,000 people (40 percent of those invited) participated in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in 2008. More information about these programs can be found at http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au.



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Cancer News

Novel Photo-Oxidation Therapy Holds Promise for Anticancer Treatment
The study findings validate metal-enhanced photo-oxidation for future metal-based anticancer drugs.
Mutations in 11 Genes Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Mutations in 11 genes are linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, which may present novel therapeutic and therapy options.
Link Between Poor Oral Health and Head & Neck Cancer Survival Uncovered
Improved oral health, as indicated by the count of natural teeth and dental appointments preceding the diagnosis, correlated with enhanced head and neck cancer survival rates.
Painless Lumps in the Body May Signal Lymphatic Cancer Risk
The presence of painless swelling in the lymph nodes could potentially indicate lymphatic cancer, say experts.
Non-clinical Genetic Testing May Lead to Needless Breast Surgery
Women tested at high risk for breast cancer using non-clinical genetic tests overlooking family history may decide to undergo unnecessary breast surgery.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

More on Cancer Burden in Australia Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests