Five cancers projected to

affect people on Central Coast

Melanoma of the skin, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and bowel cancer are projected to be the five most common cancers diagnosed this year in Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD), according to new data from Cancer Institute NSW.

14 February 2024

 

SADLY, lung cancer, bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer are projected to be the most common cause of cancer death in the District.

 

Dr Craig Kukard, Clinical Director of Cancer Services at CCLHD said the local community is reminded to take advantage of NSW’s breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening programs and seek help if they notice any changes to their health.

 

“More than 2,800 people in our District are projected to be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year, so reducing cancer’s devastating impact on our community is a key priority,” Dr Kukard said.

 

“Central Coast Local Health District offers state-of-the-art cancer treatment through our comprehensive cancer centre. We offer a wide range of treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy along with access to local and international clinical trials. Our health specialists are dedicated to delivering safe, world-class care to people living with and beyond cancer.

 

“We can also work to reduce our cancer risk and I encourage the community to participate in screening programs and speak to their GP if they’re concerned about any changes to their health.”

 

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said around 16,000 cases of cancer and 5,000 cancer deaths could be prevented in NSW each year if we exercise more, eat healthier foods, wear sunscreen, drink less alcohol and stop smoking.

 

“Few health challenges rival the complexity and urgency of this devastating disease and as a community, we need to do everything possible to support each other to lead healthier lives and seek help if we notice any changes to our health,” Professor O’Brien said.

 

“I encourage everyone to take the steps needed to reduce their cancer risk and keep families healthy and together.

 

“Start small and keep it simple – walk or use the stairs where you can, pick a salad instead of hot chips and make a plan for healthy new habits in 2024.”

 

Every 10 minutes someone in NSW is diagnosed with cancer, with one person dying from the disease every half an hour. It remains the leading cause of disease death in our state, accounting for one in three deaths.

 

Despite these sobering statistics, NSW has some of the world’s best cancer outcomes, with 70 per cent of people in NSW surviving beyond five years of a cancer diagnosis.

 

Key insights from Cancer Institute NSW:

 

• Seven in 10 people survive for five years after a cancer diagnosis. This rate was around six in 10 people 15 years ago.

 

• One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

 

• One in three cancer deaths can be prevented through healthy living.

 

• Three in 10 cancer cases and four in 10 deaths are from rare and less common cancers.

 

• Less than 40 per cent of eligible people in NSW are taking part in free bowel cancer screening.

 

• Close to 52 per cent of eligible people in NSW are taking part in free breast cancer screening.

 

• Approximately 67 per cent of eligible people in NSW are taking part in free cervical cancer screening.

 

For more information on cancer prevention and screening, including NSW’s breast, bowel or cervical cancer screening programs visit Cancer NSW.