AIHW Finds Long-Term Improvements in Cancer Survival
New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveal a substantial improvement in long-term cancer survival. The latest report, Cancer data in Australia, shows that the five-year relative survival rate for people diagnosed with any form of cancer has risen markedly, underscoring advances in early detection, treatment options, and supportive care.
What the Five-Year Relative Survival Rate Tells Us
The AIHW defines the five-year relative survival rate as the percentage of people diagnosed with cancer who survive at least five years after diagnosis, compared with people of the same age and sex in the broader population. The report shows the rate increasing from 50% in 1987–1991 to 72% in 2017–2021, a sign of progress across multiple cancer types and stages.
Falling Mortality, Rising Diagnoses in Some Groups
Alongside higher survival, the AIHW notes a downward trend in cancer mortality. Between 2000 and 2025, age-standardised cancer mortality declined from about 257 to 194 deaths per 100,000 people. This shift reflects improvements in prevention, screening, and therapies, helping more people live longer after a cancer diagnosis.
Survival Gains in Common Cancers
Among the cancers most commonly diagnosed in Australia, the gains are striking. Prostate cancer survival rose from around 60% to 96%, while breast cancer survival increased from about 75% to 93%. These improvements highlight the impact of effective screening and targeted treatments for these groups, where early detection often leads to better outcomes.
Trends in Incidence: Who Is Being Diagnosed?
Despite better survival, some cancers are being diagnosed more frequently in younger age groups. The AIHW reports an uptick in cancer incidence for people in their 30s, rising from 121 to roughly 135 cases per 100,000. The largest increase occurred in colorectal cancer. For those aged 40–49, estimated cases rose from 280 to 313 per 100,000, driven in part by thyroid cancer diagnoses.
Young-Onset Cancer and Mortality in Context
AIHW estimates about 20,000 cancer cases each year occur in people under 50. Importantly, even as diagnoses rise in these younger cohorts, mortality has continued to decline—from around 60 to 37 deaths per 100,000 in people in their 40s, and from 18 to 11 per 100,000 for those in their 30s by 2025. These findings suggest that early detection and improving treatments are translating into longer lives for younger Australians as well.
Other Notable Trends
Melanoma diagnoses have edged higher in the past 25 years, increasing from 54 to about 63 cases per 100,000 people. The AIHW also notes that almost one million Australians have had a cancer diagnosis in the past decade, with around 170,000 new cases expected this year. While incidence remains a concern, the concurrent rise in survival and fall in mortality offer a hopeful picture for the country’s cancer journey.
What This Means for Policy and Care
These trends point to the importance of sustained investment in prevention, early screening, and access to modern cancer therapies. As survival improves, health systems must adapt to longer-term survivorship needs, including ongoing monitoring, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support to help people live well after a cancer diagnosis.
Bottom Line
The AIHW data confirm that Australia is making meaningful progress against cancer. Higher five-year survival rates, falling mortality, and ongoing focus on early detection and effective treatment collectively improve outcomes for patients now and into the future.
