Cancer: killing more Australian women than any other disease

The rise in cancer cases has meant that there is a strong emphasis on investing in preventive strategies to curb the disease.

“Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem,” states Dr Christopher Wild, Director of The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). “More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”

Ageing populations and increased screening have been highlighted as major contributors to the disease in Australia and in other Western countries, as well as lifestyle factors.

According to the report, 3.7 million cancer deaths could have been avoided by simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight.

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