Cancer detecting projects save lives
Published: August 31, 2005
SKIN cancer prevention programs over the past 20 years have significantly improved survival rates, according to new research which also shows survival rates for other cancers have doubled over the same period.
The Cancer Survival in Queensland 2002 report, produced by the Queensland Cancer Fund and Queensland Health, shows 63.5 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer survived between 1996 and 2000 – a dramatic improvement on the 50.9 per cent survival rate between 1982 and 1985.
And for some types of cancer the likelihood of surviving for five years after diagnosis was excellent. More than 95 per cent of men survive testicular cancer and more than 94 per cent of Queenslanders survive mel-anomas.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said survival from cancer in Queensland was as good as anywhere in the world where similar information had been published.
Mr Robertson said the report noted that the improved survival rates for cancer were in part due to more effective cancer screening programs and advances in cancer treatment and management.
“The figures are very encouraging for breast cancer and this is due in part to early detection through Queensland Health’s BreastScreen Program and better treatment,” he said.
The report found that around 6500 Queenslanders died from cancer each year and one out of every three Queenslanders would be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75.
The biggest improvements in survival rates during the past 20 years had been breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia and melanomas.
Queensland Cancer Fund epidemiologist associate professor Joanne Aitken said reductions in skin cancers and melanoma mortality rates are being seen for younger people.
“Rates for people in their 50s and above are stabilising – whereas before they were increasing,” Prof Aitken said.
“Skin cancer, in general, and particularly melanoma which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has been for many years one of the most common cancers in Queensland – and the state has the highest rates in the world.”
Prof Aitken said SunSmart campaigns and early detection of skin cancer have had huge benefits.
“Part of the reason why we are seeing reductions in deaths from melanoma is because of increased awareness of early detection and prevention,” she said. “It is very important we keep those going to see full benefits in decades to come.”
A $1.2 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation has funded a “state-of-the-art” cancer facility at The University of Queensland, officially opened yesterday.
The ACRF Dynamic Imaging Facility for Cancer Biology – the only one of its kind in Australia – will improve Queensland’s capacity to perform internationally competitive research.
The laboratory, at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, houses two technologically advanced microscope systems which will enable cutting-edge research into cancer biology.
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