According to the latest Australian Institute for Health and Welfare cancer in adolescents and young adults in Australia report, which reviewed national cancer outcomes for people aged 15-24 years, the improvement in survival was most dramatic for blood cancers where five-year survival had increased from 64 per cent in the 1980’s to 91 per cent in the most recent reporting period.
Professor Tracey O’Brien, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW says that while the overall survival increase has been dramatic, there is still much to do to improve survival rates and address the long-term impacts experienced by these young people.
“On average in NSW, one adolescent or young adult will be told they have cancer every day. Hearing this at any age is devastating, but it is tougher when you are also dealing with heightened physical, emotional, social, educational and sexual changes,” Professor O’Brien said.
“Facing cancer treatment while also having to consider the impact their diagnosis and treatment could have on their future health, fertility and careers is challenging and heartbreaking.”
While overall survival had improved, there were certain cancers where survival rates remain lower, such as brain, bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
“Overall, these results are very encouraging and give great hope, but we need to be mindful that people are not statistics, and progress made in treatment of some cancers like bone cancer is less positive, with a third of young people not surviving to five years after their diagnosis,” Professor O’Brien said.
“We will continue to focus on research and innovation to improve outcomes for all young people diagnosed with cancer.”
Watch Professor Tracey O’Brien speak on cancer survival rates increase for youth on Channel 9 News
Source: NSW
