More Victorians win battle against cancer

More Victorians than ever are winning their fight against cancer with five-year cancer survival rates in Victoria climbing to a record high.

Celebrating the Cancer Council Victoria’s 75th birthday, Minister for Health David Davis officially launched the new Cancer in Victoria: Statistics and Trends 2010 report.

‘This annual report – produced by the Victorian Cancer Registry – features the most current data available on cancer incidence and mortality in Australia.

‘Cancer is more common in older persons and the incidence is growing as a result of Victoria’s population growth and an ageing population.

‘The report, importantly, shows five-year cancer survival rates have increased from 47 per cent in 1985 to 64 per cent in 2010,’ Mr Davis said.

In 2010, 28,363 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer and 10,673 died from the disease.

It is expected the number of Victorians with cancer will exceed 32,000 by 2013.

Mr Davis said over time there had been improved survival rates for many cancers and a reduction in the incidence rates for some.

‘Many of these improvements are the result of changes in behaviour including reduced smoking rates and an increased use of hats, sunscreens and sunshades, as well as cancer screening programs which help identify cancer early and world-class cancer treatment services which increase the chances of survival.

‘Our actions in tobacco control here in Victoria have resulted in a tangible decline in the incidence of lung cancer, particularly among men.

‘Although we know there is still more to be done in the areas of prevention, early detection, treatment, supportive care and the underlying research to inform these activities, this data demonstrates that we have made inroads.

‘The data shows positive actions by individuals to be aware of their cancer risk, to look at their behaviours so as to minimise that risk and improve early detection are important take-home messages.’

Mr Davis said one of the cornerstones of the Cancer Council Victoria’s work was the Victorian Cancer Registry, which it managed on behalf of the state.

‘The data being collected and analysed by the Cancer Registry shows trends in new cancer cases to help us identify where to focus.