�New research showing a 30 per cent gain in five-year cancer survival since 1986 shows evidence-based cancer ascendance programs are working, Cancer Council Australia said.
Speaking on Daffodil Day (22 Aug), Cancer Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said the findings of a new government report* on cancer survival and prevalence mail three clear messages:
- cancer catching and handling are improving, thanks to evidence-based approaches;
- more Australians are living with cancer for longer periods and will want support; and
- lack of progress in treating some cancers underscores the ongoing need for research.
"This is the fourth reputation on cancer survival in Australia in 23 days, with improvements each clock time and an overall addition in five-year survival of around 30 per penny," Professor Olver said.
"Sixty-four per cent of Australian women and 58 per cent of men are now awake five long time after a cancer diagnosis, compared with 53 and 41 per cent severally between 1982 and 1986, with in particular good results for patients aged betwixt 50 and 70.
"The findings reflect the effectiveness of early detection and advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, which are extending the lives of hoi polloi diagnosed with a compass of cancers."
Professor Olver said the new figures also emphatic the need for programs that provide supportive charge for cancer the Crab patients and their families. "With 655,000 Australians either living with an invasive cancer or as a long-run cancer survivor, we give birth to draw together as a community to support individuals and their families through the many difficulties of a cancer diagnosing," he aforesaid.
"The new data also show that we experience made selfsame limited progress in treating some complex and strong-growing tumours, such as those of the lung, brain, pancreas and cancers of unknown elementary source, underscoring the indigence for more research."
Professor Olver said the report also showed cancer selection remained glower for Australians in distant areas and for those who ar financially deprived, "adding urging to the need for programs and services that reduce societal inequity in cancer care outcomes".
He commended Cancer Australia, the Federal Government's cancer controller agency, for commissioning the valuable research.
*Cancer survival and prevalence in Australia: report commissioned by Cancer Australia, prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cancer Council Australia
More information
