Media backgrounder: Men facing cancer in Victoria
1 in 2 Victorian men will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they turn 85.
Almost 13,500 Victorian men are diagnosed with cancer each year.
By this time tomorrow, 36 Victorian men will have heard the words ‘you have cancer.'
The most common cancers facing men in Victoria are prostate, bowel, lung and melanoma.
The Australian survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades.
While 58 per cent of Victorian men will now survive a cancer diagnosis, cancer remains the leading cause of death. Every year, more than 5000 men will lose their lives as a result of the disease.
Fourteen Victorian men will lose their lives to cancer within the next 24 hours.
Compared to women, Victorian men are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and are less likely to survive their diagnosis.
Based on current knowledge, we believe that around half of all cancer cases can be prevented. Smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol consumption and inadequate physical activity are significant risk factors, which can be modified.
Not smoking, or giving up, is the single most effective strategy to prevent cancer. Nationally, one in nine cancer cases, and more than one in five cancer deaths (over 7700 every year) are caused by cigarette smoking.
For further information about reducing your cancer risk, Victorian men can visit the Men's cancer information section.
Victorian residents with questions about cancer can call The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Journalists seeking further information about men facing cancer in Victoria should contact:
|
Amanda Millington
PR Coordinator
(03) 9635 5355 |
Eva Zann
PR Officer
(03) 9635 5359 |
