Cancer is a major health issue in Australia, with 160,000 cases expected to be diagnosed in 2023 alone. Among these, skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is particularly prevalent due to Australia’s intense sun exposure. Thankfully, advancements in treatments, as well as public health initiatives, have significantly improved survival rates; for example, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is now 94%.
Breast, prostate, melanoma, and colorectal cancers are the most commonly diagnosed types. Notably, the incidence of colorectal cancer has decreased thanks to effective screening programs, which help catch the disease early when it’s at its most treatable stage.