Cancer in Australia: Actual incidence data from 1991 to 2009 and mortality data from 1991 to 2010 with projections to 2012

Abstract

Aims: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is a major national agency established by the Australian government to provide information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare. The AIHW and the Australasian Association of Cancer Registries collaborate every year to provide updated information on cancer occurrences and trends in Australia.

Method: Actual number of cases and deaths is presented together with age-standardized rates for all cancers combined and selected cancer sites from 1991 to 2009 for incidence and from 1991 to 2010 for mortality, with projections to 2012. Differences in incidence and mortality rates according to age, Indigenous status and remoteness areas are also provided. In addition, information on hospitalizations due to cancer, palliative care and participation in Australia's national screening programs for breast, cervical and bowel cancer is presented.

Results: In 2012, it was estimated that 120 710 new cases of cancer (excluding basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) were diagnosed. Prostate cancer was estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males, while breast cancer was estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females. In 2010, more than 42 800 deaths from cancer occurred in Australia. Lung cancer was by far the most common cause of cancer death in both males and females.

Conclusion: In the last decade, cancer incidence rates increased in males and stabilized in females, while mortality rates decreased steadily. The overall incidence and mortality rates of cancer for Indigenous Australians were higher than for non-Indigenous Australians.

Keywords: Australia; early detection of cancer; incidence; mortality; neoplasm; screening.