Newly released data from the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) reveals a concerning trend: in 2024, Victoria recorded the highest number of new cancer diagnoses since comprehensive cancer reporting began in 1982. The report, published by Cancer Council Victoria, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness around prevention, screening, and support services.
In 2024, 39,641 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer, averaging about 109 new cases daily. Despite this alarming rise, the report also highlights a positive trend: cancer death rates have been steadily declining by approximately 1.6% annually over the past 29 years. This data, part of VCR’s annual publication, includes some of the most up-to-date information on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival worldwide.
Disparities in Cancer Incidence and Survival
The “Cancer in Victoria 2024” report delves into how cancer incidence and survival rates vary based on country of birth. Analyzing data from 2014 to 2023, the report reveals significant differences in cancer incidence among various demographic groups. For instance, overseas-born groups exhibited higher rates of liver, stomach, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers, while Australian-born Victorians had higher rates of prostate, bowel, and melanoma cancers. Survival rates also varied significantly among different regions.
Professor Sue Evans, Director of VCR, emphasized the importance of this analysis in tailoring health services to support Victoria’s diverse multicultural population. “Victoria is proudly home to such a highly diverse multicultural population; a third of Victorians are born overseas,” she stated. “Analyzing the data in this way allows us to uncover patterns and identify where efforts may be needed to promote earlier detection and screening.”
Challenges and Opportunities
The report identifies several patterns in cancer presentation that offer opportunities for improving cancer screening and early detection. “We know migration brings challenges like adapting to different customs, overcoming language barriers, and coping with being separated from families and communities,” Professor Evans noted. “These factors make navigating health services more difficult, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes.”
One of the report’s most striking findings concerns liver cancer, which significantly affects some multicultural communities. For example, the incidence of liver cancer is 220% higher among Victorians born in South-East Asia compared to those born in Australia.
Government and Community Response
Victoria’s Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, acknowledged the state’s strong cancer survival outcomes but expressed concern over the new statistics. “Through our Victorian Cancer Plan, we’re ensuring every Victorian can get the cancer care they need, where and when they need it,” she said.
Cancer Council Victoria’s CEO, Todd Harper AM, highlighted the need for culturally responsive prevention, early detection, and care. “Australia is fortunate to have four national cancer screening programs for bowel, breast, cervical, and lung cancer. Many multicultural Victorians are eligible for these programs, which are designed to detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat,” he explained. “Early detection saves lives. Ensuring all Victorians are aware of these cancer screening programs and can access culturally safe care is essential for improving outcomes in these communities.”
Liver Cancer: A Growing Concern
Liver cancer is among the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related death in Victoria, with a current five-year survival rate of just 28%. For some overseas-born communities, a major cause is hepatitis B contracted at birth or during early childhood, often due to a lack of access to vaccination in their countries of origin. In 2024, 698 Victorians were diagnosed with liver cancer, with 422 succumbing to the disease, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Charissa Feng, Senior Manager of Cancer Council Victoria’s Liver Cancer program, stressed the preventability of hepatitis-related liver cancer. “The vast majority of hepatitis-related liver cancer is preventable with tools we already have – vaccination, testing, monitoring, and treatment,” she said. “This new data shows there is a population of overseas-born Victorians potentially living with a hidden, undiagnosed disease that could cause a preventable cancer with a very high mortality rate.”
Thanks to the support of the ERDI Foundation and other private donors, Cancer Council Victoria is piloting a micro-elimination project in Melton and Wyndham, communities with large multicultural populations and high hepatitis B prevalence. The project aims to reduce liver cancer impact by addressing barriers to early detection and promoting regular hepatitis B monitoring.
Looking Ahead
The findings from the “Cancer in Victoria 2024” report highlight both challenges and opportunities in addressing cancer disparities across Victoria’s diverse communities. As the state continues to grapple with rising cancer diagnoses, the emphasis on tailored, culturally sensitive health interventions becomes increasingly crucial. The ongoing efforts by government and health organizations to enhance awareness, improve screening rates, and provide equitable care are vital steps toward reducing the cancer burden and improving outcomes for all Victorians.
