Victorians urged to get tested as report finds cancer diagnosis down

The Cancer Council has issued a dire warning after lockdowns had a frightening impact on the number of Victorians living with undiagnosed cancer.

Thousands of Victorians are living with undiagnosed cancer following Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

A new report released on Thursday shows cancer diagnosis has dipped in Victoria for two consecutive years, with experts warning it is likely because many people are yet to present for diagnosis, in particular for melanoma and bowel cancers.

The annual report Cancer in Victoria: 2021 looks at data from every Victorian hospital and pathology laboratory over the last 12 months and is prepared by the Victorian Cancer Registry at Cancer Council Victoria.

The Director of the Registry Sue Evans has urged Victorians to visit their general practitioner with any health concerns and to do regular skin checks and screening when due.

“If you leave it, it is not going to go away,” Professor Evans says.

“It will potentially get more difficult to treat and the survival outcome may also be impacted.”

Professor Evans says the Covid-19 pandemic has continued to impact the number of people coming forward for screening and diagnosis.

“It is difficult to determine the true impact, but at the end of 2021 there were an estimated 3,864 fewer cancer diagnoses than expected, meaning that these Victorians were most likely yet to present for diagnosis,” she said.

Karen Dawson was diagnosed during with breast cancer but is now all clear and getting on with life. Picture: Ian Currie

While the report found the five-year survival rate has increased 22 per cent over the past two decades, it also highlights that cancer remains the leading cause of disease burden in Victoria with 101 Victorians diagnosed and 31 Victorians dying every day.

The report also predicts that cancer diagnoses will increase by 43 per cent over the next 15 years in Victoria because of the growth and ageing population, but survival rates will also continue to improve.

“We are seeing a decline in cancer deaths and an improvement in survival after a cancer diagnosis,” Professor Evans says.

“The concern is that we not seeing Victorians coming forward for melanoma and colorectal (bowel) screening. There has probably been some reluctance still by Victorians going to see a GP, or getting an appointment may have been difficult.

“GPs are the gatekeepers, the door into the health system so it might be that people are feeling they don’t want to burden the health system so the skin lesion that has been sitting there for a while is not a priority.”

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper agrees it is critical that Victorians visit their GP if they are concerned about their health.

“We know that one third of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthier diet, being more active, reducing alcohol consumption and using sun protection,” Mr Harper said.

“What these figures (in the report) really highlight is that we are not making the most of the opportunities that prevention gives us; a third of cancers can be prevented and yet our healthcare systems don’t invest anywhere near the amount needed in prevention.

CEO of Cancer Council Victoria Todd Harper: there is 100 per cent survival from a cancer that is prevented

“We are seeing wonderful results in terms of survival, we have a wonderful health system and exceptional health professionals, but there is 100 per cent survival from a cancer that is prevented.”

Mr Harper said the long-term goal should be an investment of 5 per cent of the health budget on prevention.

“Too often we hear from cancer patients when they have been diagnosed that they are shocked by risk factors they were not aware of,” he said.

“Early detection and treatment are the most important tools in improving survival following a cancer diagnosis and we need to continue to focus on this, and our work in prevention, to reduce the impact of cancer for all Victorians,” Mr Harper said