Queensland: Chilling prediction on cancer cases

Cancer cases are projected to increase by almost 50 per cent in one state within 15 years, prompting a major investment in health.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has announced Queenslanders can expect the number of people diagnosed with cancer to increase by almost 50 per cent by 2036.

“Cancer is Australia’s leading cause of death and disability, with the number of new cancer cases each year projected to increase faster than the rate of population growth,” she said in a press conference on Monday.

“Sadly, on average one person every four minutes is diagnosed with cancer in Australia.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there are approximately 31,000 cancer diagnoses and over 9,400 deaths in Queensland each year.

“Whether it’s a friend, a relative or a colleague, every Queenslander knows someone who has battled cancer,” she said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced she will open a $750 million cancer centre in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

The chilling statistics follow a government announcement it will open a new $750 million Queensland Cancer Centre in Brisbane.

The world class precinct, which will be located at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital, is set to double the amount of people who can receive cancer care by 2028.

“It [the cancer centre] will create 150 Cancer beds and free up another 59 beds in the hospital system,” Ms D’Ath said.

“It will deliver a chemotherapy service, outpatient consult rooms, multiple operating theatres and a pathology and pharmacy service.”

The Queensland Government on Monday announced it will be building a new Cancer Treatment facility within the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Picture: David Clark

The education centre (pictured) will be knocked over to make room for the new facility. Picture: David Clark

The cancer care service will include a full range of research, education and training facilities, with partnerships with the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the new precinct will not only cater for growth, but will stand alone as one of the world’s leading cancer hospitals.

“With more and more cases each year, we’ve made a clear decision to invest in the world’s best facilities, treatments and research to give Queenslanders the best shot.”

The “game changing” centre is expected to be completed in 2028, with construction commencing in 2024.

So far this year, the Palaszczuk government has invested and increased its budget in healthcare by 30 per cent.

“We have a responsibility to do everything we can to provide the highest quality care and treatment for people who are diagnosed with cancer,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Originally published as Queensland: Chilling prediction on cancer cases