Every year, 13,000 West Australians will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ve summarised the five most common types of cancers impacting the West Australian community.
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Prostate
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Western Australia, with nearly 2,400 cases reported in 2019. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow in an uncontrolled way, forming a malignant tumour.
It is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.
There are no tests available with sufficient accuracy to screen populations of men for early signs of prostate cancer. However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival.
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Breast
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the most common cancer among females. In 2019, there were nearly 1,900 cases of breast cancer in Western Australia. Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells lining the breast lobules or ducts. These cells grow uncontrollably and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
It is estimated that one in eight females and one in 667 males will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85.
While there is no proven method of preventing breast cancer, the risk can be reduced by lowering alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
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Melanoma
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Western Australia, with over 1,600 cases reported in 2019.
Melanoma usually develops on parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun, however rare melanomas can occur in parts of the body that have not had sun exposure.
It is estimated that one in 17 people will be diagnosed by the age of 85.
The risk of melanoma increases with exposure to UV radiation without sun protection. Find out more about why Australia has such high skin cancer rates, or .
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Bowel
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Western Australia, with approximately 1,300 cases per year. It develops from the inner lining of the bowel and is usually preceded by growths called polyps, which may become invasive cancer if undetected.
It is estimated that one in 20 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer by the age of 85.
West Australians aged 45 to 74 years can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by participating in the National Bowel Cancer screening program and doing the home test.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Western Australia, with over 600 cases recorded in 2019. It is also responsible for the most cancer deaths in both males and females.
Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. There are two types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
It is estimated that one in 20 Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer by the age of 85.
While there is no proven way to prevent lung cancer you can greatly reduce your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking tobacco, avoiding second-hand smoke and avoiding cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) at work.
For more information
- Learn more about the different types of cancer.
- Get information and resources about cancer.
- Call 13 11 20 for cancer information and support.