Published
23 Apr, 2018
The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) is generally used as a high-level comparative measure to identify inequities in cancer outcomes. MIR is a cruder survival estimate than relative survival (see NCCI measures 5-year relative survival, 10-year relative survival). However due to its simplicity (calculated by dividing the mortality count by the incidence count in a given year), it allows international comparisons of survival due to the availability of high quality incidence and mortality data for most countries.1
Summary
Cancer MIRs in Australia are among the lowest in the developed world
Based on 2018 projected estimates, Australia’s MIRs were the second-lowest for all cancers combined excluding non-melanoma skin cancers (0.35), and for 7 of 14 cancer types examined, when compared with selected developed countries (range for all cancers combined - 0.31 to 0.60).
The MIRs for most cancer types in Australia have decreased over time
Since 1982, MIRs have decreased (an indication of higher survival) for almost all cancer types analysed.
MIRs were higher for cancers of the brain, liver, lung, pancreas, oesophagus, and ovary
In 2014, MIRs were higher for cancers of the brain (0.80), liver (0.89), lung (0.72), pancreas (0.83), oesophagus (0.82), and ovary (0.70). Melanoma had the lowest MIR (0.11).
Data
Revision Type
Major
Version Number
1.1