The number of Australians living with or beyond cancer is expected to increase by a staggering 72% in the next 22 years, new research from Cancer Council has revealed.
The report shows that the increase in the number of Australians living with and surviving cancer will lead to almost 1.9 million Australians having a personal history of cancer by 2040. That’s a jump from 1 in 22 Australians today, to 1 in 18 in the next 22 years.
This rise can be attributed to the country’s growing and ageing population, as well as increasing cancer survival rates thanks to better prevention, early detection and research.
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper says that these new figures highlight even more of a need for high quality cancer support and information.
“It’s important that we can provide support services, not only for individuals themselves, but also their carers, friends and colleagues,” said Mr Harper. “Looking ahead to a future when almost 2 million Australians will be living with or have survived cancer, Cancer Council will continue to work with the community to support those affected.”
Cancer survivor Jayne understands first-hand how important it is to have access to support. The primary school teacher was just 32 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
“When you get diagnosed you need someone you can trust, and Cancer Council has all of the services and support in one place. I called 13 11 20 and found the nurses to be an absolute lifeline. They were able to calm my fears, my worries. They understood the physical things that I was going through, as well as the emotional issues I was dealing with.”
“Without Cancer Council, going through cancer would have been a lot scarier and I would have felt more isolated,” shared Jayne.
Mr Harper encouraged anyone needing support or information to call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or to its website.
“In 2017 alone, our nurses answered 11,429 calls and emails for people looking for help,” he said. “We rely on the generosity of the Victorian community to be able to provide these services, which are wholly donor funded.
“Whether it’s helping people today, or being there for those who need us tomorrow, Cancer Council is here for all Victorians affected by cancer. From the moment you’re diagnosed, through your treatment and beyond, we are here. Every minute, every hour, every day.”