Overall cancer incidence declining, new report reveals

Australia has one of the highest cancer rates in the world and new research estimates 145,000 Australians will be newly diagnosed with the disease this year. Survival rates are improving across the most common forms but advocates warn there isn't enough awareness or research into less common forms of cancer.

Doctors treat cancer patient who is being radiated by the linear particle accelerator Halcyon at Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona. EPA/TONI ALBIR Source: AAP

The 'Cancer in Australia 2019' report was prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ((AIHW)) and examines data on cancer trends across the country. 

It estimates 145,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Australia this year - three times the number of cases diagnosed nearly four decades ago in 1982. 

However, the overall incidence of cancer has been declining since 2008.