HALF of us will develop cancer by the age of 85 but we’re winning the war on Australia’s second biggest killer as death rates plummet.
New Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows the number of Australians with cancer is rising but the death rate is falling.
In fact, some doctors are hoping the big C may eventually become just another chronic disease rather than a death sentence.
New predictions show the death rate from cancer among males will drop from 214 per 100,000 to 183 between 2013 and 2025.
Cancer death rates among females will drop from 135 per 100,000 females to 120 per 100,000 by 2025.
Changing times ... Cancer could eventually ecome a chronic disease rather than a death sentence. Picture: SuppliedSource: News Limited
Most cancers are more likely to occur as you get older and as Australia’s population ages cancer cases are expected to rise.
In 2015, it is estimated that 126,800 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia up from 118,711 new cases of cancer in 2011.
Men are more likely than women develop cancer and the AIHW predicts that in 2015 69,790 males and 57,010 females will develop new cases of cancer.
As a result of the extra cases the number of people dying from cancer will increase to 46,570 in 2015 and 56,260 in 2025.
This compares to the 43,039 who died from the disease in 2012.
However, the rate of death, the number of people per 100,000 population that die of cancer will decline, the institute says.
The death rate from cancer fell from 199 deaths per 100,000 persons in 1968 to 167 deaths per 100,000 in 2012.
More precautions ... increased screening helps catch cancers earlier, making them easier to treat. Picture: Getty Source:Getty Images
Increased screening for breast prostate, bowel and cervical cancer and new vaccines like the cervical cancer vaccine have had an impact on cancer deaths.
Expensive new medicines are also helping to prolong the lives of people with cancer.
The institute estimates that over a lifetime the risk of an individual being diagnosed with cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 2 (1 in 2 males and 1 in 3 females) in 2015.
In 2015, it is estimated that the risk of an individual dying from cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 5 (1 in 4 for males)
From 2007—2011 in Australia, individuals with cancer had a 67% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population.
Between 1982—1986 and 2007—2011, 5-year relative survival from cancer improved from 46% to 67%.
The institute says it has prepared the report so health services can plan to increase cancer services.
More fatalities ... lung cancer accounts for the highest number of cancer deaths. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
AUSTRALIA’S TOP FIVE CANCERS
MOST COMMON CANCER: PROSTATE CANCER
In 2015, it is estimated that 17,250 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia, down from 19.993 in 2011.
The incidence rate will drop from 167 cases per 100,000 males in 2011 to 126 cases per 100,000 males.
In 2015, it is estimated that the risk of a male being diagnosed with prostate cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 7.
In 2012, there were 3,079 deaths from prostate cancer in Australia, this is estimated that this will increase to 3,440 deaths in 2015.
Prostate cancer is responsible for the 2nd highest number of male cancer deaths in Australia.
In 2015, it is estimated that the risk of a male dying from prostate cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 28.
In 2007—2011 in Australia, males with prostate cancer had a 93% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1982—1986 and 2007—2011, 5-year relative survival from prostate cancer improved from 57% to 93%.
BOWEL CANCER
In 2015, it is estimated that 17,070 new cases of bowel cancer will be diagnosed in Australia.
In 2015, it is estimated that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with bowel cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 12 (1 in 10 males and 1 in 15 females).
In 2012, there were 3,980 deaths from bowel cancer in Australia in 2015, it is estimated that this will increase to 4,120 deaths.
The risk of an individual dying from bowel cancer by their 85th birthday is 1 in 50 (1 in 43 males and 1 in 61 females).
The number of deaths from bowel cancer increased from 2,500 in 1968 to 3,980 in 2012.
In 2007—2011 in Australia, individuals with bowel cancer had a 67% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population.
Between 1982—1986 and 2007—2011, 5-year relative survival from bowel cancer improved from 47% to 67%.
Routine checks ... women get regular mammograms. Source: Supplied
BREAST CANCER
In 2015, it is estimated that 15,740 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Australia.
One in eight females and one in 719 males are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
In 2012, there were 2,819 deaths from breast cancer in Australia (24 males and 2,795 females). In 2015, it is estimated that this will increase to 3,065 deaths (25 males and 3,040 females).
The risk of an individual dying from breast cancer by their 85th birthday is 1 in 74 (1 in 3,664 males and 1 in 39 females).
In 2007—2011 in Australia, individuals with breast cancer had a 90% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population.
Between 1982—1986 and 2007—2011, 5-year relative survival from breast cancer improved from 72% to 90%.
Looking earlier ... more people are getting their skin checked. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied
MELANOMA
In 2015, it is estimated that 12,960 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in Australia (7,640 males and 5,320 females).
The risk of an individual being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 18 (1 in 14 males and 1 in 23 females).
In 2012, there were 1,515 deaths from melanoma skin cancer in Australia this is expected to rise 1,675 deaths in 2015.
In 2015, it is estimated that the risk of an individual dying from melanoma skin cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 123 (1 in 80 for males and 1 in 233 for females).
LUNG CANCER BIGGEST CANCER KILLER
In 2015, it is estimated that 11,880 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in Australia (6,990 males and 4,890 females).
The risk of an individual being diagnosed with lung cancer by their 85th birthday is1in 17 (1 in 13 males and 1 in 22 females).
In 2012, there were 8,137 deaths from lung cancer in Australia (4,882 males and 3,255 females). In 2015, it is estimated that this will increase to 8,790 deaths (5,190 males and 3,600 females).
In 2012, lung cancer accounted for the highest number of deaths from cancer in Australia. I
t is estimated that it will remain the most common cause of death from cancer in 2015.
The risk of an individual dying from lung cancer by their 85th birthday is 1 in 22 (1 in 17 for males and 1 in 29 for females).
In 2007—2011 in Australia, individuals with lung cancer had a 14% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population.
Between 1982—1986 and 2007—2011, 5-year relative survival from lung cancer improved from 8% to 14%.
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