Cancer Facts and Figures

Cancer is a leading cause of disease and the major cause of death in Victoria. According to the Victorian Cancer Council

• At least one in three Victorians will develop a cancer (other than non-melanotic skin cancer) by the time they are 75.

• Around a third of all deaths are caused by cancer - 30% in 2005.

• Cancer is strongly related to age - 58% of tumours occur in people aged over 65 and only 1% in those aged under 15.

• More men than women also develop cancer - 123 men for each 100 women, largely due to more tobacco-related cancers in men.

• Cancer of the prostate, bowel, breast and lung are the most common types of cancer in people diagnosed with cancer and the most common cause of death. In women, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer as well as the major cause of death. In men, prostate cancer is the leading cause, followed by bowel, lung and melanoma. However, more males die from lung cancer than from any other type.

• Survival from cancer has increased over the last decade and is expected to continue to improve. The Victorian Cancer Action Plan (page 3) suggests, based on current trends, that the five-year survival rate should increase to 67% by 2015.

• Most patients are cured of cancer, meaning that they will not die from their cancer. However, substantial numbers of people diagnosed with cancer, including those whose cancers recur, and who continue to live with active cancer, are also living longer.
  

The impact of cancer on the Victorian community, individuals and families, its implications for Victoria’s health system and the need for Government to take the lead role in developing a comprehensive and coordinated response has been recognized by the Victorian Government. The Victorian Cancer Action Plan articulates a vison for cancer reform that aims to provide high quality and consistent cancer care to all Victorians.

Further cancer statistics are available from the Cancer Council Victoria website.

Melbourne Local Government Areas -

Population Change 2001-2031 by Number

of People (Victoria in Future 2004, Dept of

Sustainability & Environment)