New research shows five-year survival rates for cancer in Queensland have improved significantly over the past 30 years – from 53 per cent in 1982-1989 to almost 70 per cent in 2009-2013.
The new stats will be launched today as Cancer Council celebrates 30 years of its iconic fundraiser Daffodil Day, turning Queensland yellow to raise funds for the 1 in 2 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
The new research, from CCQ’s Cancer Research Centre, found survival improvements over time for the top five cancers diagnosed in Queensland: breast, bowel, prostate, lung and melanoma.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO said the improvements were thanks to funding for research, clinical trials and better treatments for Queenslanders diagnosed.
“Our research found the five-year relative survival rate for bowel cancer improved from about 50 per cent (1982 to 1989) to almost 69 per cent (2009 to 2013) over 30 years,” Prof Dunn said.
“The biggest five-year relative survival rate increase out of the top five cancers was seen for prostate cancer, improving from 64 per cent (1982 to 1989) to more than 93 per cent (2009 to 2013).
“Almost 93 per cent of Queenslanders diagnosed with melanoma today can expect to survive their cancer more than five years, compared to 88 per cent in the 80s.
“The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer improved from about 74 per cent (1982 to 1989) to almost 91 per cent (2009 to 2013), with lung cancer improving from 11 per cent to 16 per cent over the same time period.
“These significant survival improvements are made possible through the support of our community – everyday people making everyday donations that contribute to our fight against this disease.
“This Daffodil Day, we’re calling on Queenslanders to donate towards our next 30 years of cancer control in Queensland – together, we can beat cancer.
“Simply buying a daffodil pin or bunch of fresh daffodils today is a direct donation to the work of Cancer Council Queensland across the state.
“Every dollar raised is invested in vital cancer research, patient support services and prevention programs throughout Queensland every year.”
More than 1600 volunteers are expected to staff more than 230 volunteer sites across Queensland during the week of Daffodil Day, selling more than 800,000 fresh daffodils.
“If you think one in two people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime is one in two too many, get involved by showing you care this Daffodil Day,” Prof Dunn said.
The daffodil is the international symbol of hope for everyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Council Queensland hopes to raise $1.5 million during August and on Daffodil Day this year.
More than 26,000 Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, compared to around 9200 in the early 1980s.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Executive Manager,
Media and Spokesperson,
Cancer Council Queensland
Phone: (07) 3634 5372
Mobile: 0409 001 171