We’ve known for years that cancer prevention and early detection can save lives, but now, through our Epidemiology Division’s own research, we know how many lives have been saved thanks to cancer control measures.
The research, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, revealed that an estimated 230,000 lives have been saved since the 1960s. Importantly, 65 per cent of deaths avoided occurred in the last 10 years of the study (2009-2018), demonstrating accelerated progress in improving cancer outcomes.
Lead researcher, and Deputy Head of our Cancer Epidemiology Division, Associate Professor Brigid Lynch, said the study was about better understanding the real-world impacts of decades of Australian cancer-control methods.
“It’s a snowball effect – we’re now seeing the result of investments made in cancer control over many decades,” Brigid said.
The study showed a substantial decrease in lung cancer deaths, with rates dropping since the 1980s, a reflection of the Quit anti-smoking campaigns since that era.
Breast cancer deaths have also continued to decline. “While we know more women are diagnosed with breast cancer today, thanks to early detection and improved treatment options the mortality rate is falling,” revealed Brigid.
Not all cancers are following this downward trend. Deaths from liver and brain cancer are continuing to rise in Australia, and globally.
With more than half of liver cancer cases caused by hepatitis infections, Cancer Council Victoria is on the front foot when it comes to improving screening, community education and advocacy.
The Cancer Epidemiology Division is also leading the world’s largest study of risk factors for glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Professor Roger Milne, Head of the Cancer Epidemiology Division and lead investigator in the glioma study said, “We will bring together the world’s highest-quality data and expert researchers to generate the clear evidence required to inform the prevention of glioma.”