New cases of cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Between 2011 and 2015, there were 6,925 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (3,435 cases for males and 3,490 cases for females) in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

In this period, lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, followed by breast cancer (in females), colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck (including lip) cancer.  

Figure 1. Most common cancers diagnosed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 2011–2015 

Note: Data sourced from AIHW Australian Cancer Database 2016 

Between 2011 and 2015, the age-standardised incidence rate of all cancers combined for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 496 cases per 100,000 persons (566 for males and 447 for females). Between 2011 and 2015, the age-specific incidence rate for all cancers combined increased with age. 

Figure 2. Age-specific incidence rates of all cancers combined in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, by age group, 2011–2015 

Note: Data sourced from AIHW Australian Cancer Database 2016

Deaths from cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Between 2014 and 2018, 3,345 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people died from cancer (1,773 males and 1,572 females) in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.  

Between 2014 and 2018, lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, followed by colorectal cancer, liver cancer, cancer of unknown primary site and pancreatic cancer. 

Figure 3. Most common causes of cancer death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 2014–2018 

Note: Data sourced from AIHW National Mortality Database 

Between 2014 and 2018, the age-standardised mortality rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 225 deaths per 100,000 persons (271 for males and 191 for females). 

Between 2014 and 2018, the age-specific mortality rate for all cancers combined increased with age. 

Figure 4. Age-specific mortality rates of all cancers combined in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, by age group, 2014–2018 

Note: Data sourced from AIHW National Mortality Database

Survival  

Between 2012 and 2016, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with cancer had a 47% chance, on average, of surviving five years. 

Prevalence  

At the end of 2015, there were 4,035 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (1,881 males and 2,154 females) living who had been diagnosed with cancer in the previous five years. 

For more information on cancer data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Indicators website 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Indicators are designed to monitor performance across the seven priority areas outlined in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework and align with the Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. These Indicators are designed to lead to better care and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer.

The website provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer data in one location designed for use by policymakers, governments, cancer organisations, researchers, health professionals, and consumers. The data on the website will enhance understanding, stimulate enquiry and inform future directions in cancer control, whether in research, policy or clinical care. It will also be a trustworthy, authoritative source of information for the broader community and people affected by cancer.