Cancer is a leading contributor to the burden of disease in Victoria. There are 95 new diagnoses each day (or one every 15 minutes) in our state. In 2017, 34,557 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer (Cancer Council Victoria 2018).Â
Since 1982, cancer incidence has steadily increased, with annual rate increases of 0.6 per cent for both men and women (Cancer Council Victoria 2018).  . Â
While the increase in cancer rates is small, the growth and ageing of the Victorian population result in a much larger annual increase (3 per cent) in actual numbers of cancers diagnosed (Cancer Council Victoria 2018). Â
Nearly half (46 per cent) of cancers diagnosed are in Victorians aged over 70 years, and less than 2 per cent are in those people aged under 30 years (Cancer Council Victoria 2018). Â
The five most common cancers in Victoria are prostate, breast, bowel, melanoma and lung, collectively accounting for 57 per cent of all new cancers and 46 per cent of cancer deaths (Cancer Council Victoria 2018). Â
While an average of 30 people die from cancer every day in Victoria, death rates continue to decline. Since 1982, annual decreases of 1.6 per cent for males and 1.2 per cent for females have been recorded. Â
These reductions reflect earlier detection of cancers through screening, reductions in tobacco use – especially in males – and improvements in treatment. Â
Overall, from 1982 to 2016, five-year survival rates for cancer increased from 46 per cent to 68 per cent (Cancer Council Victoria 2018). Â
Find out moreÂ
Access the Cancer Council Victoria statistics and data .Â
The Victorian Population Health Survey 2016Â has a section on cancer.Â
For more information about melanoma in Victoria, Cancer in Victoria: Statistics and Trends  on the Cancer Council Victoria website.
For more information about non-melanoma skin cancer in Victoria, please see the non-melanoma skin cancer article Cancer in Victoria: Statistics and Trends  on the Cancer Council Victoria website.Â
ReferencesÂ
Cancer Council Victoria 2018 Cancer in Victoria: Statistics and Trends  Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne.Â
Non-communicable disease articles
Cancer
There are 95 new diagnoses of cancer each day in our state.
Melanoma
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
Non-melanoma skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly treated cancer in Australia, placing a substantial cost burden on the health system
Heart disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Australia and Victoria.
Stroke
Stroke can cause speech problems and other symptoms, such as difficulties with swallowing, vision and thinking.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common chronic condition characterised by high sugar levels.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Arthritis is a large contributor to illness, pain and disability.
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Reviewed 04 August 2022