Australia records notable rise in long-term cancer survival
New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveal a substantial improvement in long-term cancer survival. The five-year relative survival rate for people diagnosed with any form of cancer has climbed from around 50% in 1987–1991 to about 72% in 2017–2021, marking a significant shift in the outlook for patients across the country.
Understanding what the five-year relative survival rate means
AIHW explains that the five-year relative survival rate measures the percentage of people diagnosed with cancer who survive at least five years after diagnosis, compared with the general population of the same age and sex. This metric helps researchers and policymakers assess progress in cancer detection, treatment, and aftercare over time.
Mortality trends decline as survival improves
Alongside rising survival, AIHW notes a downward trend in mortality. Between 2000 and 2025, the age-standardised cancer death rate fell from about 257 to 194 deaths per 100,000 people. This decline reflects improvements across prevention, early detection, and treatment modalities that collectively extend life expectancy for many Australians with cancer.
Survival gains for the most common cancers
Two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers show striking survival gains. Five-year survival for prostate cancer in men rose from 60% to 96%, while breast cancer in women increased from 75% to 93%. These improvements likely reflect advances in screening, early intervention, and targeted therapies that have expanded effective treatment options for these conditions.
Shifts in cancer incidence among younger Australians
AIHW reports rising cancer incidence in younger age groups. Cases among people in their 30s increased from 121 to about 135 per 100,000, with a notable rise in colorectal cancer. For those aged 40–49, estimated cases grew from 280 to 313 per 100,000, driven in part by a higher incidence of thyroid cancer diagnoses. Despite higher diagnosis rates in these groups, mortality has still declined, underscoring the benefits of early detection and improved therapies.
Young adults and the cancer burden
Approximately 20,000 cancer cases are diagnosed each year in Australians under 50. Even as incidence rises in younger populations, the AIHW notes that survival outcomes have improved, reflecting better treatment protocols and survivorship care that support longer, healthier lives after diagnosis.
Melanoma and broader trends
Melanoma of the skin has also seen a gradual rise in diagnosed cases—from 54 to around 63 per 100,000 over about the last 25 years. This trend highlights ongoing efforts in prevention, early detection, and public awareness while cancers beyond the most common types continue to be monitored for shifts in incidence and outcomes.
What this means for Australians
AIHW estimates indicate almost one million Australians have had a cancer diagnosis in the last decade, with around 170,000 new cases expected this year. The combination of rising survival and decreasing mortality suggests a health system increasingly capable of detecting cancers early, delivering effective treatment, and supporting patients through recovery and beyond.
Looking ahead
As cancer care evolves—with advancing precision medicine, immunotherapies, and comprehensive survivorship programs—Australian health authorities will continue tracking survival and incidence to inform prevention, screening guidelines, and resource allocation. The AIHW data provide a reassuring signal: more people are living longer lives after a cancer diagnosis, even as the disease remains a major public health challenge.
