[Please note, the descriptive text in this measure is currently being updated to reflect the most current data. To access the most up-to-date data please refer to the charts tab]
All cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C00–C97, D45–D46, D47.1, D47.3–D47.5)
In 2015, there were 46,003 deaths from cancer in Australia (25,871 males and 20,132 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 48,586 deaths from cancer in Australia (27,552 males and 21,034 females).1
In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 164.3 cancer deaths for every 100,000 persons (203.6 for males and 133.1 for females). Cancer mortality rates increased with age, with this trend being more pronounced in males than females, and particularly evident in age groups of 60−64 years and older.3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Limited data are available on cancer mortality for Indigenous Australians, due to insufficient quality of Indigenous status data in some jurisdictions. Mortality data of sufficient quality are available for New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with these five jurisdictions accounting for 88% of Australia’s Indigenous population.4 The data provided here on cancer mortality rates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are sourced from these five jurisdictions.
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher for Indigenous Australians (234.5 cases per 100,000) than for non-Indigenous Australians (163.9 per 100,000). The age-standardised incidence rate was 268.0 cases per 100,000 for Indigenous males and 209.0 cases per 100,000 for Indigenous females. The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 205.8 per 100,000 for males and 130.7 per 100,000 for females).5
In 2012-2016, the age-specific mortality rate for all cancers combined increased with age for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.5 Higher age-specific mortality rates were observed among Indigenous males and females aged between 45 and 74 years compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Similar age-specific mortality rates were observed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians aged 85 years or over. This was mainly due to comparatively lower age-specific mortality rates among Indigenous males in this age group.5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate for all cancers combined was higher among persons living in Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote, and Very Remote areas, when compared to persons living in Major Cities.5
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate for all cancers combined was highest (187.7 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (136.6 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for Australian males and females for all cancers combined was in the lower part of the estimated range for the selected comparison countries (for this international comparison, data are for ICD-10 codes C00–C97, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers (C44)). The age-standardised mortality rate for Australia was 90.6 per 100,000 – about 10% lower than the estimated global average for 2018 and the fifth lowest rate among the selected developed countries.5 This is in contrast to Australia’s incidence rate of cancer, which typifies the higher rates generally seen in other high-income countries. In such countries, high rates of breast, bowel, and prostate cancer generally occur and in Australia, high rates of melanoma. These cancers generally have a good prognosis.2
Choose a cancer type below for further information:
Bladder cancer (ICD-10 code C67)
In 2015, there were 1,111 deaths from bladder cancer in Australia (805 males and 306 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,196 deaths (839 males and 357 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.8 per 100,000 persons (6.4 for males and 1.9 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 5.4 per 100,000 persons (9.0 for males and 2.7 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 3.7 per 100,000 persons (6.0 for males and 1.9 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (4.3 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas, and lowest (3.6 per 100,000 persons) in Major cities.5
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (4.1 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1 and 2), and lowest (3.1 per 100,000 persons) in those living in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for bladder cancer in Australian males and females was in the middle of the estimated range when compared to the selected developed countries.2
Brain cancer (ICD-10 code C71)
In 2015, there were 1,391 deaths from brain cancer in Australia (849 males and 542 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,435 deaths (856 males and 579 females).1 The age-standardised mortality rate in 2015 was 5.2 per 100,000 persons (6.6 for males and 4.0 for females).3
Age-specific mortality rates generally increased with age, peaking among males in the age group 75−79 years and among females in the age group 80−84 years.2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower (2.6 per 100,000 persons) among Indigenous Australians, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts (5.1 per 100,000 persons).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate for brain cancer was highest (5.6 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Inner Regional areas and lowest (4.1 per 100,000 persons) for persons living in Remote and Very Remote areas combined. This pattern was observed for both males and females and males had higher rates than females across all remoteness areas.5
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rates for brain cancer were similar across SES areas (SES 1 to 5) and were higher in Australian males compared to females.5
International comparisons
International data are available for brain and central nervous system cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C70–72). In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for brain and central nervous system cancers in Australian males and females was one of the highest among the selected developed countries.2
Breast cancer (ICD-10 code C50)
In 2015, there were 2,967 deaths from breast cancer in Australia (28 males and 2,939 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 3,156 deaths (28 males and 3,128 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 10.8 deaths for every 100,000 persons (0.2 for males and 20.1 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2012−2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous females (23.7 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (20.0 per 100,000).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among females living in Inner Regional areas (21.3 per 100,000 females) and lowest (19.4 per 100,000 females) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined. During the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate varied only slightly by socioeconomic status.5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for breast cancer in Australian females was around the middle of the range, ranked as the sixth-lowest among selected developed countries.2
Cervical cancer (ICD-10 code C53)
In 2015, there were 230 deaths from cervical cancer in Australia.3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 258 deaths.1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 1.7 per 100,000 females.3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012−2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous females (7.5 per 100,000) than non-Indigenous females (1.8 per 100,000).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (2.5 per 100,000 females) in Remote and Very Remote areas combined, and lowest (1.7 per 100,000 females) in Major cities. During the same period, mortality rates were more than 2-fold higher in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) compared to highest SES areas (SES 5) (2.6 per 100,000 persons compared to 1.1 per 100,000 persons).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for cervical cancer in Australian females was low compared with estimates for selected developed countries, with similar rates in Canada and the United Kingdom. New Zealand was the only country to have a lower mortality rate.2
Colorectal cancer (Bowel, ICD-10 codes C18–C20)
In 2015, there were 4,346 deaths from colorectal cancer in Australia (2,358 males and 1,988 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 4,129 deaths (2,124 males and 2,005 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 15.5 per 100,000 persons (18.6 for males and 13.0 for females).3 Among males and females, age-specific mortality rates increased with increasing age.3
Colorectal cancer mortality rate data for 2010-2014 for Indigenous status, remoteness, and socioeconomic status are not available by sex. These data are available by sex for colon cancer and rectal cancer separately (see following sections).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012−2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly lower among Indigenous males and females compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 13.6 per 100,000 persons (16.8 for males and 10.9 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 14.9 per 100,000 persons (18.2 for males and 12.1 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (15.9 per 100,000 persons) for persons living in Outer Regional areas and lowest (13.3 per 100,000 persons) for persons living in Remote and Very Remote areas. During the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (17.0 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (13.5 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
International data are available for colorectal and anal cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C18–21). In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for colorectal and anal cancers combined for Australian males and females was around the middle of the range among selected developed countries.2
Colon cancer (ICD-10 code C18)
In 2015, there were 1,778 deaths from colon cancer in Australia (907 males and 871 females).3 Current projection estimates are not available for colon cancer. In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.2 deaths per 100,000 persons (7.2 for males and 5.4 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was similar among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 6.9 per 100,000 persons (6.3 for males and 7.3 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 6.6 per 100,000 persons (7.7 for males and 5.7 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (8.5 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Outer Regional areas and lowest (5.9 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Major cities. This pattern was more pronounced among males than among females.5
During the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (7.7 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (5.5 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in the highest SES areas (SES 5). The pattern of increasing mortality rates with decreasing socioeconomic status was more pronounced among males than females.5
International comparisons
For a comparison with international data, see ‘Colorectal cancer (Bowel, ICD10 codes C18–C20)’.
Rectal cancer (ICD-10 codes C19–C20)
In 2015, there were 2,568 deaths from rectal cancer in Australia (1,451 males and 1,117 females).3 Current projection estimates are not available for rectal cancer. In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 9.3 deaths per 100,000 persons (11.4 for males and 7.5 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly lower among Indigenous males and females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 6.6 per 100,000 persons (10.5 for males and 3.6 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 8.3 per 100,000 persons (10.5 for males and 6.4 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (9.4 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Major cities and lowest (6.6 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Remote and Very remote areas combined. These rates were higher among males than females (11.0 per 100,000 males compared to 6.7 per 100,000 females). During this same period, age-standardised mortality rates were slightly higher among persons living in the lowest SES areas.5
International comparisons
For a comparison with international data, see ‘Colorectal cancer (Bowel, ICD10 codes C18–C20)’.
Head and neck cancer (including lip; ICD-10 codes C00-C14, C30–C32)
In 2015, there were 1,142 deaths from head and neck cancer in Australia (855 males and 287 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,034 deaths (784 males and 250 females). In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 4.1 per 100,000 persons (6.6 for males and 1.9 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 13.4 per 100,000 persons (21.4 for males and 6.6 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 4.0 per 100,000 persons (6.5 for males and 1.8 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate increased with increasing remoteness. The mortality rate for persons living in Remote and Very Remote areas (8.8 per 100,000 persons) was about 2.5-fold higher than for those living in Major Cities (3.5 per 100,000 persons). This pattern was more pronounced among males than among females.5
During the same period, age-standardised mortality rates were highest (5.5 per 100,000 persons) in the lowest SES areas (SES 1), with a rate around 2-fold higher than in the highest SES areas (SES 5) (2.6 per 100,000 persons). The pattern of increasing mortality rates with decreasing socioeconomic status was more pronounced among males than among females.5
International comparisons
Comparable international data are not available for head and neck cancers (including lip).
Liver cancer (ICD-10 code C22)
In 2015, there were 1,820 deaths from liver cancer in Australia (1,222 males and 598 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 2,088 deaths (1,407 males and 681 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.6 per 100,000 persons (9.4 for males and 4.0 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012−2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 15.3 per 100,000 persons (20.5 for males and 11.2 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 6.3 per 100,000 persons (9.0 for males and 4.0 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, age-standardised mortality rates were highest (8.1 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Remote and Very Remote areas and lowest (5.7 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Inner regional areas. During the same period, mortality rates were higher (7.9 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) compared with the highest SES areas (SES 5) (4.9 per 100,000 persons). The pattern of increasing mortality rates with decreasing socioeconomic status was more pronounced among males than females.5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for liver cancer in Australian males and females was in the middle of the range among selected developed countries.2
Lung cancer (ICD-10 codes C33–C34)
In 2015, there were 8,466 deaths from lung cancer in Australia (4,989 males and 3,477 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 9,198 deaths (5,229 males and 3,969 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 30.5 deaths per 100,000 persons (39.0 for males and 23.5 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 61.2 per 100,000 persons (71.4 for males and 53.2 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 30.8 per 100,000 persons (40.3 for males and 22.9 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate increased with increasing remoteness; the rate for persons living in Remote and Very Remote areas (39.7 per 100,000 persons) was 26% higher than for Major Cities (29.2 per 100,000 persons). This pattern was more evident among males than among females.5
During the same period, mortality rates were highest (39.2 per 100,000 persons) among persons living the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and were lowest (21.2 per 100,000 persons) for persons living in the highest SES areas (SES 5).5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for lung cancer in Australian males and females was in the lower part of the range among selected developed countries.2
Melanoma of the skin (ICD-10 code C43)
In 2015, there were 1,520 deaths from melanoma skin cancer in Australia (1,004 males and 516 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,905 deaths (1,331 males and 574 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 5.5 per 100,000 persons (8.0 for males and 3.5 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012–2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower among Indigenous Australians than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 2.1 per 100,000 persons (4.1 for males and 0.9 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 5.9 per 100,000 persons (8.8 for males and 3.5 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (6.7 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in Inner Regional areas, and lowest (4.6 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very Remote areas. During the same period, age-standardised mortality rates did not vary markedly by socioeconomic status.5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for melanoma of the skin for Australian males and females was among the highest in the world. Among the selected developed countries, only New Zealand had a higher rate for males and females, while the Australian rate was similar to The Netherlands for females.2
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (ICD-10 codes C82–C86)
In 2015, there were 1,503 deaths from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Australia (852 males and 651 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,443 deaths (857 males and 586 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 5.3 deaths per 100,000 persons (6.7 for males and 4.1 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly lower among Indigenous Australians than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 4.2 per 100,000 persons (6.3 for males and 2.6 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 5.4 per 100,000 persons (6.9 for males and 4.1 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (5.7 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in Inner Regional areas and lowest (4.2 per 100,000 persons) among persons living in Remote and Very remote areas. Sex-specific data for this period showed a similar pattern but with more pronounced differences for males than for females by remoteness area. During the same period, age-standardised mortality rates did not vary markedly by socioeconomic status.
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 projected age-standardised mortality rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other and unspecified malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue in Australian males and females are in the middle of the range, among the selected developed countries.2
Oesophageal cancer (ICD-10 code C15)
In 2015, there were 1,329 deaths from oesophageal cancer in Australia (949 males and 380 females).3 Projection estimates indicate that in 2018, there will be 1,448 deaths (1,045 males and 403 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 persons (7.4 for males and 2.4 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 7.8 per 100,000 persons (12.2 for males and 3.9 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 4.6 per 100,000 persons (7.3 for males and 2.2 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (6.1 per 100,000 persons) among Australians living in Outer regional areas and lowest (4.1 per 100,000 persons) in persons living in Major cities. During the same period, the mortality rate was highest (5.6 per 100,000 persons) for persons in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) and lowest (3.8 per 100,000 persons) for persons in the highest SES areas (SES 5). The pattern of increasing mortality rates with decreasing socioeconomic status was more pronounced among males than among females.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 projected age-standardised mortality rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other and unspecified malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue in Australian males and females are in the middle of the range, among the selected developed countries.2
Ovarian cancer (ICD-10 code C56)
In 2015, there were 926 deaths from ovarian cancer diagnosed in Australian females.3 It is projected that in 2018, there will be 1,069 deaths.1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.3 for every 100,000 females.3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2012−2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower among Indigenous females (5.8 per 100,000) compared to non-Indigenous females (6.4 per 100,000).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly higher (6.9 per 100,000 persons) in Inner Regional areas and lowest (5.0 per 100,000 persons) in Remote and Very remote areas. During this same period there was little variation in the age-standardised mortality rate by socioeconomic status.5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for ovarian cancer in Australian females was in the middle of the range among selected developed countries.2
Pancreatic cancer (ICD-10 code C25)
In 2015, there were 2,760 deaths from pancreatic cancer in Australia (1,433 males and 1,327 females).3 It is projected that in 2018, there will be 3,006 deaths (1,563 males and 1,443 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 9.8 deaths per 100,000 persons (11.1 for males and 8.7 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 12.3 per 100,000 persons (12.8 for males and 11.8 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 9.6 per 100,000 persons (11.0 for males and 8.3 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower in Remote and Very Remote areas, compared to other remoteness areas. During this period the same pattern was observed in males but for females the mortality rates across all remoteness areas were similar. In 2012-2016, age-standardised mortality rates increased with decreasing socioeconomic status; this effect was more pronounced among males than among females.5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for pancreatic cancer in Australian males was higher than for Australian females. Males were in the middle of the range when compared with estimates for selected developed countries. By comparison, Australian females had the lowest mortality rate among selected developed countries.2
Prostate cancer (ICD-10 code C61)
In 2015, there were 3,195 deaths from prostate cancer in Australia.3 It is projected that in 2018, there will be 3,500 deaths.1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 25.5 for every 100,000 males.3 Prostate cancer mortality increased with increasing age.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower among Indigenous males (23.8 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous males (26.4 per 100,000).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (29.8 cases per 100,000 persons) among males living in Outer Regional areas and lowest (24.2 cases per 100,000 persons) among males living in Major cities. During the same period, age-standardised mortality rates decreased along with a corresponding increase in SES area.5
International comparisons
In 2018, the projected age-standardised rate for prostate cancer in Australian males was in the middle of the range when compared to selected developed countries.2
Unknown primary site cancer (ICD-10 code C77-C80, C97)
In 2015, there were 2,555 deaths from cancer of unknown primary site in Australia (1,376 males and 1,179 females).3 It is projected that in 2018, there will be 2,835 deaths (1,351 males and 1,484 females).1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 8.9 deaths per 100,000 persons (10.9 for males and 7.4 for females).3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 17.6 per 100,000 persons (16.7 for males and 17.8 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 9.4 per 100,000 persons (11.4 for males and 7.8 for females).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest (11.2 per 100,000) in Remote and Very Remote areas and lowest (8.7 per 100,000 persons) in Major cities. During the same period, age-standardised mortality rates increased with decreasing socioeconomic status; this effect was more pronounced among males than among females.5
International comparisons
Comparable international data are not available for cancers of unknown primary site.
Uterine cancer (ICD-10 codes C54–C55)
In 2015, there were 493 deaths from uterine cancer in Australia.3 It is projected that in 2018, there will be 466 deaths.1 In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.3 per 100,000 females.3
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2012-2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous females (5.8 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (3.2 per 100,000).5
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2012-2016, age-standardised mortality rates were similar across all remoteness areas and were highest among females living in Outer regional areas (3.8 per 100,000 areas). During this same period, there was little variation in the age-standardised mortality rate by socioeconomic status.5
International comparisons
International data estimates are available for uterine cancer for the ICD-10 code C54 only. In 2018, the projected age-standardised mortality rate for uterine cancer in Australian females was in the lower part of the range among selected developed countries.2
