Latest Hunter New England Health cancer statistics released
16 December 2009
Cancer is projected to increase at 5000 new cases in NSW every five years with lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol and lack of physical activity driving increases according to the latest report by the Cancer Institute NSW.
The Cancer in New South Wales: Incidence and Mortality Report projects 50,967 new cases in 2021 compared to 38,116 cases in 2009. The number of new cases is projected to increase by 36 per cent in Hunter New England by 2021.
For the first time the Cancer Institute NSW has examined trends by specific cell-types of cancer, such as adenocarcinoma, which are linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and squamous cell carcinoma which is linked to tobacco smoking, viruses and alcohol.
Releasing the report early this week, Assistant Health Minister (Cancer) Frank Sartor said the increase in lifestyle related cancers was a concern.
“Overall we are seeing rates of smoking related cancers, like bladder and cancers of the head and neck, going down but those related to obesity, such as adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus, are going up.
“Both the USA and Australia are in the top six OECD countries for obesity and also have a high proportion of adenocarcinoma. In comparison Japan and Korea have low rates of obesity and adenocarcinoma.
“Japan has a higher proportion of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus compared to NSW and other Western countries, mainly because this cell type is most strongly related to tobacco and alcohol-related risk factors. Japanese and Korean males have high rates of smoking compared to other OECD countries.
“The NSW Government is making real progress in the fight against cancer, but this report emphasises that we do have more work to do.
“The Cancer Incidence and Mortality report contains the most complete and up-to-date information on cancer in NSW. This cancer report is a reflection of past trends, and shows us where we need to focus more efforts in the future.
“The report shows that there is declining death rates for most cancers and that survival varies by cancer type.”
Hunter New England Health Director of Cancer Services Dr Colum Smith said that given the report’s projections that the number of new cases is to increase by 36 per cent in Hunter New England by 2021, it was important that we focus more on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking tobacco and reducing alcohol intake are all ways to help reduce the likelihood of being diagnosed with some cancers,” Dr Smith said.
“A reduction in mortality rates and greater survival rates largely depend on early detection – regular checkups with your family doctor and early attention to potential cancer symptoms are vitally important.
“Hopefully this new report will create greater awareness in the community that cancer is a growing problem – but also highlight the need for everyone to start thinking about the positive changes they can make to lessen their risk of developing cancer.”
Key Findings for Hunter New England AHS:
• The number of new cancer cases is projected to increase by 36 per cent between 2007 and 2021.
• Incidence of melanoma in males and females is higher than the State average.
• Overall incidence of cancer in males is higher than the State average.
• Incidence of lip cancer in males is higher than the State average.
• Incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma, stomach and liver cancer in males, thyroid cancer in females is lower than the State average.
• Mortality rates are projected to increase by 15 per cent by 2021.
• Overall mortality rates in males are higher than the State average.
• Mortality rates of prostate cancer are higher than the State average.
The full report can be found at www.cancerinstitute.org.au.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767