Cancer survival higher in Australia, new research shows

Australia is a world leader in cancer survival rates, beating other countries with the best one-year survival rates in most cancers.

AUSTRALIA is a world leader in cancer survival rates beating other high income countries with the best one-year survival rates in most cancers.

The nation’s winning streak in the fight against the deadly disease is highlighted today in a study in the prestigious Lancet Oncology journal which highlights that those who are diagnosed with oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, lung or ovarian cancer in Australia have better chances of survival than in countries like New Zealand and the UK.

This report comes as Cancer Council Queensland research shows that the number of people beating the disease or living with cancer is expected to increase by a staggering 73 per cent in the next 22 years.

The Lancet looked at survival rates for seven cancers across seven high income countries and found that while survival has continued to improve since 1995, it was generally higher in Australia, Canada, and Norway than in New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK.

Improved scanning is helping cancer survival rates

The most recent five-year data shows Australia had the highest one-year survival rate for most cancer sites, while New Zealand ranked lowest in improvements on survival for stomach, colon, and rectal cancers.

The researchers say the improvements are likely due to healthcare reforms and technological advances that enable earlier diagnosis, more effective and tailored treatment and better patient management.

“The pace of research discovery in Australia is increasing and with it new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancers, as well as improved ways to support those affected,” Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan said.