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.
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.
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.
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.
