WHO: Global Cancer burden data

The WHO published survey from 115 countries reported that most countries do not adequately finance priority cancer and palliative care services as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In 2022, there were estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease. By 2050, cancer cases are projected to be 77% higher than they were in 2022.

Growing and Ageing population are contributing to the alarming rise and risk factors such as tobacco, harmful effects of alcohol, obesity, and air pollution - addressing these will help protect the population against cancer. The proportional increase in incidence is most striking in low HDI countries (142% increase) and in medium HDI (Human Development Index) countries (99%) and the death-related cancer in these countries is projected to almost double in 2050.

(Source: WHO: Global cancer burden growing, amidst mounting need for services)

Australia’s Cancer burden data

The full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on cancer diagnosis and treatment will not be known for several years. In 2022, it is estimated that about 162,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia. An average of 440 every day and more than half (55%) of these cases were diagnosed in males.

Most commonly diagnose cancers in males were prostate cancer, melanoma of the skin, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer (in order) while in females were breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma of the skin and lung cancer.

Australia’s ageing population and the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age. It is estimated that around 185,000 cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2031, and that between 2022 and 2031, a total of around 1.7 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed. The age-standardised incidence rate for all cancers combined was 14% higher for Indigenous Australians than non-Indigenous Australians.

Although cancer survival rates have improved and cancer death rates continue to drop, cancer accounts for around 3 of every 10 deaths in Australia. Dying from cancer accounted for 34% of the fatal burden in Australia. It is estimated that in 2022, around 50,000 people will have died from cancer, an average of around 137 deaths every day. Male are estimated to account for 56% of these deaths. Cancer and other neoplasms were the disease group with the third greatest health system expenditure and accounted for 8.8% of the $ 134 billion disease-specific expenditure.

(Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Cancer)

Prepared by:
Dr Ramon Joel S. Seastres
Director of Medical Program - FAHPi