New data released today by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) has revealed a sobering milestone: in 2024, Victoria recorded the highest number of new cancer diagnoses since comprehensive cancer reporting began in 1982. The Cancer Council Victoria is sounding the alarm, urging increased awareness around prevention, screening, and support services.
The report indicates that 39,641 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, averaging about 109 diagnoses each day. Despite this surge, cancer death rates have been steadily declining by approximately 1.6 percent annually over the past 29 years. This data was unveiled by the VCR at Cancer Council Victoria as part of its annual publication, which includes some of the world’s most current cancer incidence, mortality, and survival statistics.
Disparities in Cancer Incidence and Survival
The “Cancer in Victoria 2024” report provides an in-depth analysis of how cancer incidence and survival rates vary based on country of birth. Drawing from data between 2014 and 2023, the report highlights significant differences in cancer incidence among various demographic groups. For instance, certain overseas-born populations exhibit higher rates of liver, stomach, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers, while prostate, bowel, and melanoma rates are generally higher among Australian-born Victorians.
Director of VCR, Professor Sue Evans, emphasized the importance of this analysis in tailoring health services to support diverse communities. “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 where efforts may be needed to promote earlier detection and screening, and start the conversation around what we can learn from each other’s cancer journey.”
Challenges Faced by Multicultural Communities
The report identifies several patterns in cancer presentation that suggest opportunities for improving cancer screening and early detection. “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.
One of the most striking findings of the report concerns liver cancer, which significantly affects some multicultural communities. The incidence of liver cancer is 220 percent higher among Victorians born in South-East Asia compared to those born in Australia.
Government and Health Sector Responses
Victoria’s Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, acknowledged the state’s commendable cancer survival outcomes globally 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, early detection, 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,” Harper 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.”
Addressing Liver Cancer: A Priority
Liver cancer remains one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related death in Victoria, with a five-year survival rate of just 28 percent. For some overseas-born communities, a major cause of liver cancer is the transmission of hepatitis B at birth or during early childhood, often due to a lack of vaccination access in their countries of origin. In 2024, 698 Victorians were diagnosed with liver cancer, and 422 succumbed to the disease, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
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 stated. “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.”
Thanks to the generosity of the ERDI Foundation and another private donor, we are currently piloting a micro-elimination project in Melton and Wyndham – two communities with a large multicultural population and high prevalence of hepatitis B.
The project aims to reduce the impact of liver cancer by working with the community to address barriers to early detection and promote regular hepatitis B monitoring.
Looking Ahead
The release of this data marks a crucial moment for Victoria’s healthcare system, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and culturally sensitive healthcare approaches. As the state grapples with these challenges, the emphasis remains on prevention, early detection, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all Victorians. The ongoing efforts by health authorities and community organizations aim to reverse the rising trend of cancer diagnoses and improve survival rates across the diverse population of Victoria.
