All cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C00–C97, D45, D46, D47.1, D47.3–D47.5, except basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin which are part of C44)
In 2014, there were 127,887 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia (69,945 in males and 57,942 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that there will be 138,321 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia in 2018.2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 483.8 cancers for every 100,000 persons (555.4 for males and 424.2 for females). Cancer incidence rates increased with age; this effect was more pronounced in males than females, a difference that was most apparent in age groups of 55–59 years and older.1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Limited data are available on cancer incidence for Indigenous Australians, due to insufficient coverage and quality of Indigenous status data in some jurisdictions. Data of sufficient coverage are considered to be available for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with these five jurisdictions accounting for 90% of Australia’s Indigenous population.4 The data provided here on cancer incidence rates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations are sourced from these five jurisdictions.
In the period 2009−2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was higher for Indigenous persons (501.4 cases per 100,000) than for non-Indigenous persons (438.6 per 100,000). The age-standardised rate for Indigenous males was 561.3 cases per 100,000 and for Indigenous females it was 459.7 cases per 100,000. The age-standardised incidence rate for the non-Indigenous population during the same period was 519.5 per 100,000 for males and 371.1 per 100,000 for females.4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (515.4 per 100,000 persons) in Inner Regional areas and lowest (478.5 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 A similar pattern was observed for sex-specific age-standardised incidence data during this period, with this pattern more pronounced among males than among females.
In 2009-2013, the difference in the age-standardised incidence rate by SES areas was less pronounced than for remoteness, ranging between 510.2 per 100,000 persons in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) to 483.9 per 100,000 persons in the second-highest SES areas (SES 4).5 A similar pattern across SES areas was observed for males and females during this period.
International comparisons
In 2018, compared with selected developed countries, Australia experienced the highest age-standardised incidence rate for all cancers combined (for this international comparison, data are for ICD-10 codes C00–C97, but not C44). The age-standardised incidence rate was third-highest for Australian males and second-highest for Australian females. Factors leading to higher rates include lifestyle factors associated with high economic development, increased detection from population-based screening and other early detection procedures, and advanced diagnostic services.2,6 The age-specific rate for Australian males and females for each age group was among the highest rates when compared to selected countries.
Choose a cancer type below for further information:
Bladder cancer (ICD-10 code C67)
In 2014, there were 2,748 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in Australia (2,094 in males and 654 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 3,084 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in Australia (2,335 in males and 749 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 10.1 bladder cancers per 100,000 persons (17.0 for males and 4.4 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised bladder cancer incidence rate was slightly lower for Indigenous males and slightly higher for Indigenous females, compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous Australians was 9.3 cases per 100,000 persons (14.8 for males and 5.3 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous Australians during the same period was 9.4 cases per 100,000 persons (15.9 for males and 4.0 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (10.2 per 100,000 persons) in Inner Regional areas and lowest (9.1 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (10.8 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (9.1 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rates for bladder cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the distribution range when compared with rates for selected developed countries.
Brain cancer (ICD-10 code C71)
In 2014, there were 1,710 new cases of brain cancer diagnosed in Australia (980 in males and 730 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,935 new cases of brain cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,135 in males and 800 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 6.7 brain cancers per 100,000 persons (7.9 for males and 5.5 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised brain cancer incidence rate was lower among Indigenous Australians (5.0 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous Australians (6.6 per 100,000).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2009–2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (7.2 per 100,000 persons) in Inner Regional areas and lowest (5.5 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 During the same period, there was little variation in the age-standardised incidence rate by SES area, ranging from 6.6 per 100,000 persons in SES 1 areas to 7.1 per 100,000 persons in SES 3 areas. However, caution is advised when interpreting variations by remoteness and SES, due to the low incidence numbers for brain cancer.
International comparisons
International data are available for brain and central nervous system cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C70–72). In 2018, the age-standardised rates for brain and central nervous system cancers in Australian males and females were ranked as the third-highest incidence rate compared to selected developed countries.
Breast cancer (ICD-10 code C50)
In 2014, there were 16,753 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Australia (140 in males and 16,614 in females)1 (Note: due to a proportion of the incidence data being estimated, the rounded data for males and females in 2014 do not sum to the rounded number of new cases for all persons – see ‘About the Data’). Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 18,235 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Australia (148 in males and 18,087 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 64.9 breast cancers for every 100,000 persons (1.1 for males and 125.0 for females). The female breast cancer incidence rate generally increased with increasing age, with the highest rate among females aged in their early 70s.1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised female breast cancer incidence rate was lower among Indigenous females (98.8 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (111.7 per 100,000).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised female breast cancer incidence rate was highest (121.1 per 100,000 females) in Major Cities and lowest (106.4 per 100,000 females) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (133.0 per 100,000 females) in the highest SES areas (SES 5) and lowest (110.9 per 100,000 females) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rate for breast cancer in Australian females was in the higher part of the distribution range when compared with female breast cancer rates for selected developed countries.
Cervical cancer (ICD-10 code C53)
In 2014, there were 898 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Australian females.1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 930 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Australian females.2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 7.4 cervical cancers per 100,000 females. Cervical cancer incidence was higher among women in their 30s and 40s than among those in their 50s and 60s.1 This finding should be considered in the context of the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP), which from 1991 to 2017 was directed at biennial screening of women aged from about 20 years to 69 years.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised cervical cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous females (15.9 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (6.3 per 100,000).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (9.1 per 100,000 females) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined, and lowest (6.8 per 100,000 females) in Major Cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (8.8 per 100,000 females) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (5.8 per 100,000) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rate for cervical cancer for Australian females was low compared with selected developed countries.
Colorectal cancer (Bowel cancer; ICD10 codes C18–C20)
In 2014, there were 15,253 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in Australia (8,368 in males and 6,886 in females)1 (Note: due to a proportion of the incidence data being estimated, the rounded data for males and females in 2014 do not sum to the rounded number of new cases for all persons – see ‘About the Data’). Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 17,004 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in Australia (9,294 in males and 7,709 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 57.2 colorectal cancers per 100,000 persons (66.9 for males and 48.7 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised colorectal cancer incidence rates was slightly lower for Indigenous males and females, compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous Australians was 53.1 cases per 100,000 persons (64.6 for males and 44.8 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous Australians during the same period was 55.8 cases per 100,000 persons (66.1 for males and 46.7 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (66.3 per 100,000 persons) in Outer Regional areas and lowest (57.7 per 100,000 persons) in Major cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (63.8 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (54.9 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
International data are available for colorectal and anal cancer combined (ICD-10 codes C18–21). In 2018, the age-standardised rates for colorectal and anal cancer combined for Australian males and females were at the higher end of the range when compared with selected developed countries.
Colon cancer (ICD-10 code C18)
In 2014, there were 10,280 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in Australia (5,237 in males and 5,043 in females).1 Current projection estimates are not available for colon cancer.
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 38.5 colon cancers per 100,000 persons (42.1 for males and 35.3 for females). 1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2009−2013 are not available for colon cancer. In the period 2005–2009, the age-standardised colon cancer incidence rate was lower among Indigenous males and females, compared to non-Indigenous males and females. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 28.2 cases per 100,000 (28.4 per 100,000 males and 27.7 per 100,000 females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during the same period was 39.0 cases per 100,000 (43.5 for males and 35.2 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
The age-standardised incidence rate in 2009-2013 was highest (43.7 per 100,000 persons) in Outer Regional areas and lowest (38.7 per 100,000 persons) in both Major cities and Remote and Very Remote areas.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate varied to a lesser degree by SES area; the rate was highest (41.8 and 41.9 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1 and 2 respectively) and lowest (37.5 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).
Rectal cancer (ICD-10 codes C19–C20)
In 2014, there were 4,973 new cases of rectal cancer diagnosed in Australia (3,131 in males and 1,842 in females).1 Current projection estimates are not available for rectal cancer.
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 18.8 rectal cancers per 100,000 persons (24.8 for males and 13.3 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2009−2013 are not available for rectal cancer. In the period 2005–2009, the age-standardised rectal cancer incidence rate was lower among Indigenous males, and similar for Indigenous females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous Australians was 16.7 per 100,000 persons (21.5 for males and 12.8 per 100,000 females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during the same period was 20.0 cases per 100,000 (26.5 for males and 14.3 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
The age-standardised incidence rate in 2009-2013 was highest (22.6 per 100,000 persons) living in Outer Regional areas and lowest (19.0 per 100,000 persons) living in Major cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (22.0 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (17.5 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).
Head and neck cancer (including lip; ICD codes C00-C14, C30–C32)
In 2014, there were 4,537 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed in Australia (3,342 in males and 1,195 in females).1 Current projection estimates are not available for head and neck cancer.
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 17.2 head and neck cancers per 100,000 persons (26.5 for males and 8.7 for females).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised head and neck cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 27.9 cases per 100,000 (45.8 for males and 12.7 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 14.7 cases per 100,000 (22.3 for males and 7.5 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
The age-standardised incidence rate in 2009-2013 was highest (27.2 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and lowest (15.8 per 100,000 persons) in Major Cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (21.5 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (13.6 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).
International comparisons
Comparable international data are not available for head and neck cancers (including lip).
Liver cancer (ICD-10 code C22)
In 2014, there were 1,961 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,455 in males and 507 in females)1 (Note: due to a proportion of the incidence data being estimated, the rounded data for males and females in 2014 do not sum to the rounded number of new cases for all persons – see ‘About the Data’). Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 2,215 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,669 in males and 545 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 7.4 liver cancers per 100,000 persons (11.5 for males and 3.6 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised liver cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 15.5 cases per 100,000 (21.3 for males and 10.3 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 6.4 cases per 100,000 (9.8 for males and 3.3 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (8.3 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and lowest (5.4 per 100,000 persons) in Inner Regional areas.5 However, caution is advised when interpreting variations by remoteness, due to the low incidence of liver cancer. During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (8.4 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1), and lowest (5.5 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rates for liver cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the distribution range of rates when compared with selected developed countries.
Lung cancer (ICD-10 codes C33–C34)
In 2014, there were 11,556 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Australia (6,695 in males and 4,861 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 12,741 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Australia (7,212 in males and 5,529 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 42.9 lung cancers per 100,000 persons (53.3 for males and 34.4 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised lung cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 85.2 cases per 100,000 (102.8 for males and 72.3 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 41.4 cases per 100,000 (53.2 for males and 31.7 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (53.0 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and lowest (42.3 per 100,000 persons) in Major Cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (54.5 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (31.7 per 100,000 persons), in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rates for lung cancers in Australian males and females were in the middle of the distribution range of rates for selected developed countries.
Melanoma of the skin (ICD-10 code C43)
In 2014, there were 13,134 new cases of melanoma of the skin diagnosed in Australia (7,725 in males and 5,410 in females)1 (Note: due to a proportion of the incidence data being estimated, the rounded data for males and females in 2014 do not sum to the rounded number of new cases for all persons – see ‘About the Data’). Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 14,320 new cases of melanoma of the skin diagnosed in Australia (8,653 in males and 5,667 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 50.6 melanomas of the skin per 100,000 persons (62.1 for males and 40.9 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised melanoma of the skin incidence rate was lower among Indigenous males and females than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 14.1 cases per 100,000 (20.2 per 100,000 males and 9.6 per 100,000 females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during the same period was 30.5 cases per 100,000 (39.1 for males and 23.4 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (59.5 per 100,000 persons) in Inner Regional areas, and lowest (41.3 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (53.4 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5) and lowest (45.3 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rates for melanoma of the skin in Australian males were the highest in the world among selected developed countries. Rates for Australian females were among the highest, comparable with New Zealand, Sweden and The Netherlands.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (ICD-10 codes C82–C86)
In 2014, there were 5,247 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in Australia (2,944 in males and 2,303 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 5,720 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in Australia (3,294 in males and 2,426 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 19.9 non-Hodgkin lymphomas per 100,000 persons (23.7 for males and 16.6 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was lower among Indigenous males and slightly higher among females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 14.9 cases per 100,000 (14.5 for males and 15.0 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 17.4 cases per 100,000 (21.3 for males and 14.0 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (20.1 per 100,000 persons) in Major Cities and lowest (14.9 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate varied to a lesser degree by SES area; the rate was highest (20.5 and 20.6 per 100,000 persons) in the highest and second-highest SES areas (SES 5 and 4 respectively), and lowest (18.8 and 18.7 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest and second-lowest SES areas (SES 1 and 2 respectively).5
International comparisons
International data are available for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other and unspecified malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue (ICD-10 codes C82–85 and C96). In 2018, the age-standardised incidence rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other and unspecified malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue were the highest in Australian males and females when compared with selected developed countries.
Oesophageal cancer (ICD-10 code C15)
In 2014, there were 1,457 new cases of oesophageal cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,028 in males and 429 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,685 new cases of oesophageal cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,182 in males and 504 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 5.4 oesophageal cancers per 100,000 persons (8.1 for males and 2.9 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised oesophageal cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 11.5 cases per 100,000 (18.5 for males and 5.8 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 5.2 cases per 100,000 (7.9 for males and 2.8 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (7.2 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and lowest (5.1 per 100,000 persons) in Major Cities.5 However, caution is advised when interpreting variations by remoteness, due to the low incidence of oesophageal cancer. During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (6.6 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1), and lowest (4.5 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rates for oesophageal cancer for Australian males and females were in the middle of the distribution range when compared with selected developed countries.
Ovarian cancer (ICD-10 code C56)
In 2014, there were 1,395 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in Australian females.1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,613 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in Australian females.2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 10.2 ovarian cancers for every 100,000 females.1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised ovarian cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous females (14.1 per 100,000) than non-Indigenous females (10.1 per 100,000).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (10.8 per 100,000 females) in Major cities and lowest (9.4 per 100,000 females) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 However, caution is advised when interpreting variations by remoteness, due to the low incidence of ovarian cancer. During the same period, there was little variation in the age-standardised incidence rate by SES area, ranging from 10.4 per 100,000 females in SES 4 areas and 11.1 per 100,000 females in SES 3 areas.
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rate for ovarian cancer in Australian females was in the middle of the distribution range when compared with selected developed countries.
Pancreatic cancer (ICD-10 code C25)
In 2014, there were 3,078 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,620 in males and 1,458 in females).1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 3,364 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Australia (1,774 in males and 1,590 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 11.3 pancreatic cancers per 100,000 persons (12.9 for males and 9.9 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised pancreatic cancer incidence rate was higher among Indigenous persons, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 17.1 cases per 100,000 (16.6 for males and 17.1 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 10.8 cases per 100,000 (12.2 for males and 9.5 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was lowest (10.0 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and highest (11.5 per 100,000 persons) in Major Cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised rate was highest (12.5 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (10.7 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rates for pancreatic cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the distribution range when compared with selected developed countries.
Prostate cancer (ICD-10 code C61)
In 2014, there were 18,291 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Australian males.2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 17,729 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Australian males. It should be noted that the method for estimation of projected prostate cancer incidence includes the annual number of recorded Medicare-subsidised PSA tests, which have fluctuated over time.1
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 140.2 prostate cancers for every 100,000 males. Prostate cancer incidence generally increased with age, and was highest among males aged 65-74 years.1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised prostate cancer incidence rate was lower among Indigenous males (108.0 per 100,000) than non-Indigenous males (150.7 per 100,000).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (177.2 per 100,000 males) in Inner Regional areas and lowest (142.5 per 100,000 males) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.5 During the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (191.2 per 100,000 males) in the highest SES areas (SES 5) and lowest (159.5 per 100,000 males) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the age-standardised rate for prostate cancer in Australian males was at the higher end of the distribution range when compared with selected developed countries.
Unknown primary site (ICD-10 code C80)
In 2014, there were 2,666 new cases of cancer of unknown primary site diagnosed in Australia (1,386 in males and 1,279 in females).1 (Note: due to a proportion of the incidence data being estimated, the rounded data for males and females in 2014 do not sum to the rounded number of new cases for all persons – see ‘About the Data’). Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 2,541 new cases of cancer of unknown primary site diagnosed in Australia (1,340 in males and 1,201 in females).2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 9.7 cancers of unknown primary site per 100,000 persons (11.2 for males and 8.3 for females).1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised cancer of unknown primary incidence rate was higher among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised incidence rate for Indigenous persons was 19.3 cases per 100,000 (21.3 for males and 17.7 for females). The age-standardised incidence rate for non-Indigenous persons during this period was 9.1 cases per 100,000 (10.9 for males and 7.6 for females).4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (13.9 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and lowest (9.7 per 100,000 persons) in Major Cities.5 During the same period, the age-standardised rate was highest (12.2 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (8.4 per 100,000 persons) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
Comparable international data are not available for cancer of unknown primary site.
Uterine cancer (ICD-10 codes C54–C55)
In 2014, there were 2,614 new cases of uterine cancer diagnosed in Australian females.1 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 2,963 new cases of uterine cancer diagnosed in Australian females.2
In 2014, the age-standardised incidence rate was 19.0 per 100,000 females.1 Incidence generally increased with increasing age and was highest among women aged 70-74 years, followed by a decline in the rate thereafter.1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2009–2013, the age-standardised uterine cancer rate was higher among Indigenous females (30.0 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous (16.8 per 100,000) females.4
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2009-2013, the age-standardised incidence rate was highest (20.1 per 100,000 females) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined and lowest (18.2 per 100,000 females) in Major Cities.5 However, caution is advised when interpreting variations by remoteness, due to the low incidence numbers for uterine cancer. During the same period, the age-standardised rate was highest (19.6 per 100,000 females) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1), and lowest (16.9 per 100,000 females) in the highest SES areas (SES 5).
International comparisons
International data are available for uterine cancer for the ICD-10 code C54 only. In 2018, the age-standardised rate for uterine cancer in Australian females was in the middle of the distribution range in selected developed countries.
