1 in 2
Almost 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
70
Every day in Australia, 70 women are diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancer.
92%
Over the past 30 years, 5-year relative survival rates for breast cancer have increased to 92%.
This year, more than more than 23,000 Australian women will be diagnosed with a breast, ovarian or gynaecological cancer.
However, thanks to wonderful generosity like yours, the rate of women dying from cancer is declining.
By living a healthy lifestyle and participating in recommended screening programs, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer and increase their chances of discovering it early.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common new cancer in Australian women.
Five-year survival rates for breast cancer have increased to 92%.
A mammogram is the best way to catch breast cancer early. Early detection of breast cancer means treatment has a much better chance of success.
Three simple steps that could save your life:
- Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts.
- See a doctor if you notice any unusual breast changes.
- If you're aged 50 to 74, have a free mammogram at BreastScreen every 2 years.
Gynaecological cancers
Gynaecological cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system and include uterine, ovarian and fallopian tube, cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers
Ovarian cancer
The outcomes for these women have barely improved over the past 20 years, with a low five-year survival rate of only 49%. More research is urgently needed to help improve outcomes for women with, and at risk of, ovarian cancer.
The causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, however there are some risk factors including: age, genetic factors, family history, reproductive history, lifestyle factors and hormonal factors.
There is no screening test for ovarian cancer. Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms, including increased abdominal size or bloating, feeling full quickly or indigestion, unexplained fatigue or appetite loss, urinary or bowel changes, and abdominal or pelvic pain.
If you feel a combination of these symptoms persistently, consult with your doctor.
Cervical cancer
Most people (over 70%) who develop cervical cancer in Australia are either overdue for or have never had a Cervical Screening Test.
Regular Cervical Screening Tests are the best way to protect against cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Australia is a world leader in cervical cancer prevention, both in vaccination and screening. We were the first country in the world to implement a national publicly-funded HPV vaccination program and since then there has been a significant reduction in the rate of young women with vaccine-preventable infections and high-grade cervical abnormalities.
The National Cervical Screening Program changed on 1 December 2017 to use an HPV test as the main screening test, one of the first countries in the world to do so. This change will improve early detection and save more lives.
All women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 69 years are invited to have a Cervical Screening Test every five years, and an exit test between the ages of 70-74 years.
Even if you received the HPV vaccine, you are still recommended to participate in regular cervical screening.
Did you know that you can now self-collect your next Cervical Screening Test? The test is quick, easy, private and accurate. Most people eligible for cervical screening can choose the self-collection option for their next Cervical Screening Test. Find out more here.
Our research
Your fundraising has an enormous impact on how cancer is researched and treated.
Cancer Council is the largest non-government funder of cancer research in the country - and it's because of supporters like you.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to invest almost $250 million in Australian cancer research in the past 5 years alone.
This investment in research helped increase cancer survival rates from 49% in the 1980s to over 70% today.
And we're working to make sure the funds you raise go even further.
Our research initiatives, along with improvements to the National Cervical Screening Program and HPV immunisation program, have resulted in cervical cancer being on track be eliminated in Australia as early as 2035.
