All cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C00–C97, D45–D46, D47.1, D47.3–D47.5)
In 2014, there were 44,171 deaths from cancer in Australia (24,718 males and 19,453 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 47,753 deaths from cancer in Australia (27,076 males and 20,677 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 161.9 cancer deaths for every 100,000 persons (200.4 for males and 131.6 for females).
Age-specific mortality rates increased with age; this effect was more pronounced in males than females, and was most apparent in age groups of 65–69 years and older.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Limited data are available on cancer mortality for Indigenous Australians due to insufficient availability of 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 89% of Australia’s Indigenous population.1 The data provided in this report on cancer mortality rates comparisons between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations are obtained from these five jurisdictions.
In the period 2010–2014, age-standardised mortality rates were higher among Indigenous males and females than among non-Indigenous Australians. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 221 per 100,000 persons (253 for males and 197 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for the non-Indigenous population during this period was 171 per 100,000 persons (213 for males and 137 for females); see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer statistics).4
In 2008–2012, age-specific mortality rates for Indigenous males and females increased with increasing age. Higher age-specific mortality rates were notable among Indigenous people aged between 45 and 74 years compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Lower age-specific mortality rates among Indigenous people aged 85 years or over were observed compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. This was mainly due to comparatively lower age-specific mortality rates among Indigenous males in this age group.
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, 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.1 A similar pattern was observed for sex-specific age-standardised mortality rates for the period 2008–2012.
In 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate for all cancers combined was highest among Australians living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1). Compared with the highest SES areas (SES 5), the age-standardised mortality rate was approximately 33% higher among people living in the lowest SES areas. A similar pattern was observed for sex-specific age-standardised mortality data for the period 2009–2012; this pattern was more pronounced among males than among females.
International comparisons
In 2012, compared with specified comparison countries, the age-standardised mortality rates for Australian males and females for all cancers combined were in the middle of the range (for this international comparison, data are for ICD-10 codes C00–C97, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers (C44)). In all, the age-standardised mortality rate for Australia was 96 per 100,00 – about 6% lower than the estimated global average for 2012.5 This is in contrast to Australia’s incidence rate of cancer, which typifies the higher rates generally seen in other high-income populations of predominantly European extraction. In such countries, high rates of breast, bowel, and prostate cancer occur, and in Australia, melanoma, however, these cancers have relatively good prognoses.3
Bladder cancer (ICD-10 code C67)
In 2014, there were 1,040 deaths from bladder cancer in Australia (735 males and 305 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,172 deaths (822 males and 350 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.7 per 100,000 persons (6.1 for males and 1.9 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, age-standardised mortality rates were lower among Indigenous males and higher among Indigenous females, compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 4.0 per 100,000 persons (4.7 for males and 3.4 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was also 4.0 per 100,000 persons (6.6 for males and 2.1 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest for persons living in Very Remote areas compared to other remoteness areas.1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed little variation by remoteness area among males, but among females there were slightly higher rates in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.
In 2010–2014, age-standardised mortality rates were highest among Australians living in the lowest SES areas.1 Sex-specific data for 2009–2012 showed a similar pattern of increasing rates with decreasing socioeconomic status, but this pattern was less pronounced for females.
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for bladder cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the range when compared to specified comparison countries.
Brain cancer (ICD-10 code C71)
In 2014, there were 1,366 deaths from brain cancer in Australia (801 males and 565 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,405 deaths (838 males and 567 females).1 The age-standardised mortality rate was 5.3 per 100,000 persons (6.4 for males and 4.2 for females).2
Age-specific mortality rates generally increased with age, peaking among males in the age group 80–84 years and among females in the age group 75–79 years.1
Data on mortality rates by Indigenous status, remoteness, and socioeconomic status are not currently available.
International comparisons
International data are available for brain and central nervous system cancers combined (ICD-10 codes C70–72). In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for brain and central nervous system cancers in Australian males and females were in the upper part of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
Breast cancer (ICD-10 code C50)
In 2014, there were 2,844 deaths from breast cancer in Australia (30 males and 2,814 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 3,115 deaths (28 males and 3,087 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 19.5 deaths for every 100,000 persons (0.2 for males and 19.6 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly higher among Indigenous females (22.2 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (21.1 per 100,000).1
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among females living in Inner Regional areas and lowest in Remote areas.1 During the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate only varied slightly by socioeconomic status.
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rate for breast cancer in Australian females was in the middle of the range when compared with rates for specified comparison countries.
Cervical cancer (ICD-10 code C53)
In 2014, there were 223 deaths from cervical cancer diagnosed in Australian females.2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 254 deaths.1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 1.7 per 100,000 females.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous females (6.8 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (1.8 per 100,000).1
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was more than 2-fold higher in Very Remote areas compared to other remoteness areas.1 During the same period, mortality rates were more than 2-fold higher in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) compared to the highest SES areas (SES 5).1
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rate for cervical cancer for Australian females was low compared with specified comparison countries, with only New Zealand having a lower rate.
Colorectal cancer (Bowel, ICD-10 codes C18–C20)
In 2014, there were 4,071 deaths from colorectal cancer in Australia (2,236 males and 1,835 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 4,114 deaths (2,136 males and 1,978 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 14.9 per 100,000 persons (18.1 for males and 12.1 for females).2 Among males and females, age-specific mortality rates increased with increasing age.
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 2010–2014, the age-standardised colorectal cancer mortality rate was lower among Indigenous persons (11.5 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous persons (15.5 per 100,000).1
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest for persons living in Outer Regional areas and lowest for persons living in Very Remote areas.1 During the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among Australians living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1).1
International comparisons
International data are available for colorectal and anal cancer combined (ICD-10 codes C18–21). In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for colorectal and anal cancer combined for Australian males and females were at the lower end of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
Colon cancer (ICD-10 code C18)
In 2014, there were 1,772 deaths from colon cancer in Australia (866 males and 906 females).2 Current projection estimates are not available for colon cancer. In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.4 deaths per 100,000 persons (7.0 for males and 5.7 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower among Indigenous males, and similar for Indigenous females, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 6.7 per 100,000 persons (5.4 for males and 7.6 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 8.7 per 100,000 persons (10.3 for males and 7.3 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among persons living in Outer Regional areas, compared to other remoteness areas. This pattern was more pronounced among males than among females.
In 2009–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among persons living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1). The pattern of increasing mortality rates with decreasing socioeconomic status was more pronounced among males than among females.
International comparisons
For a comparison with international data, see ‘Colorectal cancer (Bowel, ICD10 codes C18–C20)’.
Rectal cancer (ICD-10 codes C19–C20)
In 2014, there were 12,299 deaths from rectal cancer in Australia (1,370 males and 929 females).2 Current projection estimates are not available for colon cancer.
In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 10.5 deaths per 100,000 persons (11.0 for males and 6.4 for females).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, 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 6.1 per 100,000 persons (8.5 for males and 4.4 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 7.1 per 100,000 persons (9.3 for males and 5.2 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among persons living in Major Cities and decreased with increasing remoteness. A similar trend was observed among males and females.
In 2009–2012, age-standardised mortality rates were slightly higher among persons living in the lowest SES areas.
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 2014, there were 1,040 deaths from head and neck cancer in Australia (766 males and 274 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,026 deaths (777 males and 249 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.8 per 100,000 persons (6.1 for males and 1.9 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, 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 13.1 per 100,000 persons (22.6 for males and 4.9 for females). The annual 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)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate increased with increasing remoteness. The mortality rate for persons living in Remote and Very Remote areas combined was about 2.5-fold higher than for those living in Major Cities. This pattern was more pronounced among males than among females.
In 2009–2012, age-standardised mortality rates were highest in the lowest SES areas (SES 1), with a 2-fold higher rate than 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.
Comparable international data are not available for head and neck cancers (including lip).
Liver cancer (ICD-10 code C22)
In 2014, there were 1,732 deaths from liver cancer in Australia (1,131 males and 601 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,979 deaths (1,332 males and 647 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.4 per 100,000 persons (8.9 for males and 4.1 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians (14.5 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous Australians (5.9 per 100,000).1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed that age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 were higher among Indigenous males (20.8) and Indigenous females (12.2) than among their non-Indigenous counterparts (7.8 for males and 3.2 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, age-standardised mortality rates were highest among both males and females living in Remote and Very Remote areas combined compared to other remoteness areas. In 2009–2012, mortality rates were higher among Australians living in the lowest socioeconomic areas (SES 1) compared with highest socioeconomic areas (SES 5). The pattern of increasing mortality rates with decreasing socioeconomic status was more pronounced among males than among females.
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for liver cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the range, when compared with specified comparison countries.
Lung cancer (ICD-10 codes C33–C34)
In 2014, there were 8,251 deaths from lung cancer in Australia (4,947 males and 3,304 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 9,021 deaths (5,179 males and 3,842 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 30.5 deaths per 100,000 persons (39.7 for males and 22.9 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians (57.7 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous Australians (32.2 per 100,000).1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed that the age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 was higher among Indigenous males (77.0) and Indigenous females (41.8) than among their non-Indigenous counterparts (44.8 for males and 23.8 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate increased with increasing remoteness; the rate for persons living Very Remote areas was 44% higher than for Major Cities.1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed that this pattern was more evident among males than among females.
In 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate increased with decreasing socioeconomic status; the rate among persons living the lowest SES areas (SES 1) was 43% higher than for the highest SES areas (SES 5). Sex-specific data for 2009–2012 showed that this pattern was more evident among males than among females.
International comparisons
In 2012, age-standardised mortality rates for lung cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the range of rates for specified comparison countries.
Melanoma of the skin (ICD-10 code C43)
In 2014, there were 1,467 deaths from melanoma skin cancer in Australia (988 males and 479 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,839 deaths (1,280 males and 559 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 5.5 per 100,000 persons (8.1 for males and 3.3 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower among Indigenous males and females than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 2.3 per 100,000 persons (4.0 for males and 1.2 for females). The age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 6.4 per 100,000 persons (9.7 for males and 3.7 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among Australians living in Inner Regional areas, and lowest in Very Remote areas.1 A similar trend was observed for sex-specific data in 2008–2012; in this period, the mortality rate was lowest among males and females in Remote and Very Remote areas combined.
In 2010–2014, age-standardised mortality rates did not vary markedly by socioeconomic status. Sex-specific data in 2009–2012 showed a similar pattern; males and females living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) experienced mortality rates which were similar to their counterparts in highest SES areas (SES 5).
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for melanoma of the skin for Australian males and females were among the highest in the world, with only New Zealand tending to have higher rates among specified comparison countries.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (ICD-10 codes C82–C86)
In 2014, there were 1,504 deaths from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Australia (860 males and 644 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,433 deaths (846 males and 587 females).1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 5.5 deaths per 100,000 persons (7.0 for males and 4.2 for females).2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly lower among Indigenous Australians (4.8 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous Australians (5.6 per 100,000).1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed that the age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 was lower among Indigenous males (4.7), than among non-Indigenous males (7.1), but slightly higher among Indigenous females (5.0), than among non-Indigenous females (4.3).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among Australians living in Inner Regional areas compared to other remoteness areas.1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed a similar pattern but was more pronounced differences for males than for females by remoteness area.
In 2010–2014, age-standardised mortality rates did not vary markedly by socioeconomic status. Sex-specific data in 2009–2012 showed a similar pattern; males and females living in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) experienced mortality rates which were similar to their counterparts in highest SES areas (SES 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 2012, the 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 were in the middle of the range, when compared with specified comparison countries.
Oesophageal cancer (ICD-10 code C15)
In 2014, there were 1,198 deaths from oesophageal cancer in Australia (869 males and 329 females).2 Projection estimates indicate that in 2017, there will be 1,418 deaths (1,201males and 397 females).1
In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 4.4 deaths per 100,000 persons (6.9 for males and 2.1 for females).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous males and females than among their non-Indigenous counterparts. The age-standardised mortality rate for Indigenous Australians was 8.5 per 100,000 persons (13.0 for males and 5.0 for females). The annual age-standardised mortality rate for non-Indigenous Australians during this period was 4.8 per 100,000 persons (7.6 for males and 2.3 for females).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among Australians living in Remote and Very Remote areas combined. Among males, the highest rate was observed in Outer Regional areas; among females the highest rates were observed in Inner Regional and Outer Regional areas.
In 2009–2012, the mortality rate for persons in the lowest SES areas (SES 1) was 41% higher than 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.
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for oesophageal cancer for Australian males and females were in the middle of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
Ovarian cancer (ICD-10 code C56)
In 2014, there were 974 deaths from ovarian cancer diagnosed in Australian females.2 It is projected that in 2017, there will be 1,047 deaths.1
In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 6.8 for every 100,000 females.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly lower among Indigenous females (6.2 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (6.7 per 100,000).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, the age-standardised mortality rate was slightly higher in Inner Regional areas compared to other remoteness areas.
In 2009–2012, there was little variation in the age-standardised mortality rate by socioeconomic status.
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rate for ovarian cancer in Australian females was in the middle of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
Pancreatic cancer (ICD-10 code C25)
In 2014, there were 2,547 deaths from pancreatic cancer in Australia (1,335 males and 1,223 females).2 It is projected that in 2017, there will be 2,915 deaths (1,515 males and 1,400 females).1
In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 9.3 deaths per 100,000 persons (10.3 for males and 8.3 for females).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous Australians (12.0 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous Australians (9.6 per 100,000).1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed that the age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 was lower among Indigenous males (9.5) than among non-Indigenous males (10.8), but higher among Indigenous females (11.8) than among non-Indigenous females (8.3).
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower in Very Remote areas compared to other remoteness areas.1 Sex-specific data for 2008–2012 showed a lower mortality rate among males in Remote and Very Remote areas combined, compared to other remoteness areas. Among females, only slight differences by remoteness area were observed.
In 2009–2012, age-standardised mortality rates increased with decreasing socioeconomic status; this effect was more pronounced among males than among females.
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rates for pancreatic cancer in Australian males and females were in the middle of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
Prostate cancer (ICD-10 code C61)
In 2014, there were 3,102 deaths from prostate cancer in Australia.2 It is projected that in 2017, there will be 3,452 deaths.1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 25.8 for every 100,000 males. Prostate cancer mortality increased with increasing age.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was lower among Indigenous males (23.2 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous males (28.5 per 100,000).1
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was highest among males living in Outer Regional areas, compared to Major Cities and Remote areas.1 During the same period, age-standardised mortality rates were higher in lower SES areas.1
International comparisons
In 2012, the age-standardised rate for prostate cancer in Australian males was in the middle of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
Uterine cancer (ICD-10 codes C54–C55)
In 2014, there were 494 deaths from uterine cancer in Australia.2 It is projected that in 2017, there will be 453 deaths.1 In 2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.4 per 100,000 females.2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
In the period 2010–2014, the age-standardised mortality rate was higher among Indigenous females (5.1 per 100,000) than among non-Indigenous females (3.1 per 100,000).1
Remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES)
Data for the period 2010–2014 are not currently available. In 2008–2012, age-standardised mortality rates were slightly higher among females living in Remote and Very Remote areas combined. In 2009–2012, there was little variation in the age-standardised mortality rate by socioeconomic status.
International comparisons
International data are available for uterine cancer for the ICD-10 code C54 only. In 2012, the age-standardised mortality rate for uterine cancer in Australian females was in the lower part of the range when compared with specified comparison countries.
