- The 27% decrease in the mortality rate has resulted in nearly 37,000 fewer anticipated deaths.
- Death due to melanoma of the skin has decreased by 41%.
- The Health Minister today joined Cancer Council volunteers to celebrate Daffodil Day.
The Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, today joined Cancer Council volunteers in Cairns to celebrate Daffodil Day – the organisation's iconic fundraising initiative to support those affected by cancer.
It comes as data from the Queensland Cancer Register (QCR) has revealed a significant decline in cancer mortality rates among Queenslanders.
The state-wide decline over the last five years can be attributed to various factors, including significant progress in cancer treatments (specifically in immunotherapy), the efforts of committed healthcare providers, investments in prevention initiatives, and enhanced diagnostics using genomic sequencing.
Every year, the Palaszczuk Government invests over $125 million into cancer research.
However, data also shows that cancer death rates in Far North Queensland remain higher than the state average.
That is why the Palaszczuk Government invests over $91.4 million into cancer care services across the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service annually.
The Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ), which manages the QCR, has developed an interactive dashboard to allow public access to key incidence, mortality, and survival data for Queensland.
The Cancer Data Explorer shows:
- From 1994 to 2020, there was a 27% decrease in the cancer death rate, resulting in nearly 37,000 fewer deaths than anticipated.
- Although medical research and treatment have made significant progress, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Queensland, after heart disease. Lung cancer continues to be the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by colorectal cancer.
- Despite advancements in preventing and treating cancer, there are still opportunities to enhance health behaviours among Queenslanders to sustain the decreasing trend in cancer-related mortality rates.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Shannon Fentiman:
"A decline in cancer related deaths offers hope and optimism to the thousands of individuals and families affected by the disease here in Queensland.
"This is a credit to the commitment of clinicians who treat cancer, our advancements in research and medical technology, as well as our investments in prevention programs.
"Despite this progress, we know that emerging activities like vaping and continued exposure to the sun pose a risk to increasing cancer rates.
"These concerns are why the Palaszczuk Government is building a $750 million, 150-bed Queensland Cancer Centre, to make sure we're prepared as our state grows.
"We're also working to bring services closer to home for Queenslanders, with over $91.4 million invested in cancer care services here in the Far North.
"We will continue to support charities like Cancer Council Queensland to build awareness and provide support to those affected by cancer.
"We know that cancer diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully. Please seek support from a health care professional if you're concerned."
Quotes attributable to Professor Euan Walpole, Chair, The Queensland Cancer Control Safety and Quality Partnership (The Partnership):
"In the past five years, there have been significant advancements in cancer treatments, particularly in the field of immunotherapy.
"Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, but thanks to improved screening methods and treatment advances, mortality rates have decreased.
"In Queensland since 2013, mortality due to melanoma of the skin has decreased by 41% overall. These improvements are thanks to the introduction of immunotherapy trials.
"Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death however, over a quarter of people diagnosed with lung cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis.
"This is an improvement from only 14% of people with lung cancer surviving in the early 2000s.
"Although there has been progress, it is important to note that cancer remains Queensland's second leading cause of death, following heart disease."
Quotes attributable to Cancer Council Queensland's Chief Operating Officer Balveen Ajimal:
"We know five-year cancer survivorship rates among Queenslanders have increased from just over 50% in the 1980s to over 70% within the last five years.
"We also know one third of all cancers can be prevented simply by modifying lifestyle factors.
"For example, our bowel cancer research shows that, if national participation rates increase by 20%, approximately eighty-four thousand lives could be saved by 2043.
"Each year, more than 32,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer. We are using data from our award-winning Cancer Atlas to understand the needs of cancer patients across Australia and develop the right support services for all Queenslanders affected by cancer, regardless of where they live.
"Last year, our 13 11 20 help line connected 6,700 Queenslanders to support including counselling, wigs and turbans, treatment transport and accommodation, and legal advice. We are here to make sure nobody navigates cancer alone.
"Not many people realise Cancer Council Queensland is over 90% funded by the generosity and support from our communities. This Daffodil Day, we urge Queenslanders to donate, and help fund our critical research, prevention and support initiatives.
"None of this is possible without that generous Queensland spirit. Don't wait, donate today."
