Cancer risk increases with age
The number of Australians diagnosed with cancer annually is expected to reach 150,000 by 2020 – and much of it is due to the ageing population. A new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report showed there would likely be a 40% increase on the rate of diagnosis since 2007.
The number of Australians diagnosed with cancer annually is expected to reach 150,000 by 2020 – and much of it is due to the ageing population.
A new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report released last week showed there would likely be a 40% increase on the rate of diagnosis since 2007.
Cancer Council Australia chief executive, Professor Ian Olver, said although the ageing population is the main reason for the projected increase, decisions made by governments can still reduce cancer incidence and mortality, with immediate and longer-term benefits.
He said the predicted spike in prostate cancer cases, expected to account for 30% of the overall incidence increase in men, was also a challenge to governments and the health sector.
“The number of prostate cancer cases has increased enormously in step with the use of the PSA blood test, however the test is not accurate at distinguishing potentially fatal prostate cancers from indolent cancers,” Professor Olver said.
“So, a key challenge will be to find better ways of testing for prostate cancer risk, exploring guidelines for better use of the PSA test to maximise benefit and reduce over-diagnosis, and improve treatment and support services for men diagnosed.”
However, although the report indicated more Australians would be diagnosed with cancer as they age, according to Professor Olver it was likely they would be living longer with their disease because of improved treatment and earlier diagnoses.
He added more people quitting smoking, being active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding harmful UV radiation and limiting alcohol would also translate to fewer cancer cases and deaths.
“What this report shows is what will happen if we don’t do anything about it,” he concluded.
