New data released today by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) reveals a concerning milestone for the state: in 2024, Victoria recorded the highest number of new cancer diagnoses since the inception of population-wide cancer reporting in 1982. The report, which highlights the need for increased awareness around prevention, screening, and support services, was unveiled by Cancer Council Victoria.
In 2024, a staggering 39,641 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer, translating to an average of approximately 109 new cases each day. Despite this alarming rise in diagnoses, the report also notes a positive trend: cancer death rates have been steadily declining by about 1.6 percent annually over the past 29 years. This data is part of the VCR’s annual publication, which offers some of the world’s most current insights into cancer incidence, mortality, and survival.
Disparities in Cancer Incidence and Survival
The publication, titled Cancer in Victoria 2024, delves into the variations in cancer incidence and survival rates based on country of birth. Analysis of data from 2014 to 2023 reveals significant differences in cancer types and survival outcomes among different demographic groups. Notably, certain overseas-born populations exhibit higher rates of liver, stomach, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers, whereas prostate, bowel, and melanoma cancers are more prevalent among Australian-born Victorians.
Professor Sue Evans, Director of VCR, emphasized the importance of understanding these disparities to tailor health services effectively. “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, identify areas needing improved detection and screening, and foster conversations about learning from each other’s cancer journeys.”
“We know migration brings challenges like adapting to different customs and everyday practices, overcoming language barriers, and coping with being separated from families, friends, and community. These factors make navigating health services more difficult, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes,” Professor Evans explained.
Addressing Liver Cancer in Multicultural Communities
One of the report’s most striking findings concerns liver cancer, particularly its impact on multicultural communities. For instance, the incidence of liver cancer is 220 percent higher among Victorians born in South-East Asia compared to those born in Australia. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Victoria’s Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, acknowledged the state’s commendable 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 affirmed.
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper AM highlighted the need for culturally responsive prevention and care. “Australia is very 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 noted.
“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,” Harper added.
Efforts to Combat Liver Cancer
Liver cancer remains one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related deaths in Victoria, with a five-year survival rate currently at 28 percent. In 2024 alone, 698 Victorians were diagnosed with liver cancer, and 422 succumbed to the disease. For many overseas-born Victorians, a major cause is hepatitis B, contracted at birth or during early childhood due to limited access to vaccination in their countries of origin.
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 what we have known in the liver cancer space for a while – 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,” Feng explained.
Thanks to the support of the ERDI Foundation and another private donor, Cancer Council Victoria is piloting a micro-elimination project in Melton and Wyndham. These areas, known for their large multicultural populations, are the focus of efforts to reduce liver cancer’s impact by addressing barriers to early detection and promoting regular hepatitis B monitoring.
The findings from Cancer in Victoria 2024 underscore the critical need for enhanced awareness and tailored healthcare strategies to address the unique challenges faced by Victoria’s diverse communities. As the state grapples with rising cancer diagnoses, these insights pave the way for more effective interventions and improved health outcomes for all Victorians.
