Published
08 Jun, 2022
The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) is generally used as a high-level comparative indicator of inequities in cancer outcomes. MIR is a cruder indicator than relative survival (see NCCI measures 5-year relative survival, 10-year relative survival). However due to its simplicity (it is calculated by dividing the mortality count by the incidence count in a given year), it allows a prompt international comparison of survival across countries due to the ready availability of incidence and mortality data for most countries.1
Data
Summary
Cancer MIRs in Australia are among the lowest in the developed world
Based on 2020 projected estimates, Australia’s MIRs were the lowest for all cancers combined excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, and second-lowest for 6 of 14 cancer types examined, when compared with selected developed countries (range for all cancers combined: 0.34 to 0.57).
The MIRs for most cancer types in Australia have decreased over time
Since 1982, the overall trend of MIRs has been a decrease (an indication of increasing survival) for almost all cancer types analysed.
MIRs were higher over time for cancers of the bladder and brain
In 2019, MIRs were higher than in 1982 for cancers of the bladder (0.35) and brain (0.79) for all persons, and also higher for rectal cancer in males only (053). Melanoma had the lowest MIR (0.09).
Revision Type
Major
Version Number
1.2