The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIWH) has published a new report that shows an increase in the prevalence of lung cancer in women, while also showing that rates in men are trending downwards.

 

The Lung cancer in Australia: an overview report provides a comprehensive summary of national statistics in Australia.

 

‘The report shows the number of new lung cancers increased markedly in both sexes between 1982 and 2007,’ said AIHW spokesperson Chris Sturrock.

 

‘But when the age structure and size of the population are taken into account, lung cancer incidence fell by 32% in men but rose by 72% in women.’

 

‘Tobacco smoking continues to be the largest single cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 90% of lung cancers in men and 65% in women,’ said CEO of Cancer Australia, Dr Helen Zorbas.

 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths in men and 17% in women in 2007.

 

‘However, overall mortality rates varied across different groups, with rates higher in Indigenous Australians, people in remote areas and those in the lowest socioeconomic status areas,’ Dr Zorbas said.

 

The report is available to purchase here.