Cervical cancer in Australia
The following material has been sourced from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cervical cancer incorporates ICD-10 cancer code C53 (Malignant neoplasm of cervix).
Estimated number of new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in 2018
930 females
Estimated % of all new female cancer cases diagnosed in 2018
1.5%
Estimated number of deaths from cervical cancer in 2018
258 females
Estimated % of all female deaths from cancer in 2018
1.2%
Chance of surviving at least 5 years (2010–2014)
73%
Females living with cervical cancer at the end of 2013 (diagnosed in the 5 year period 2009 to 2013)
3,194
New cases and deaths
Cervical cancer was the 14th most commonly diagnosed cancer among females in Australia in 2014. In 2018, it is estimated that it will be the 14th most commonly diagnosed cancer among females.
In 2014, there were 898 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Australia. In 2018, it is estimated that 930 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. In 2018, it is estimated that the risk of a female being diagnosed with cervical cancer by her 85th birthday will be 1 in 167.
In 2016, cervical cancer was the 20st leading cause of cancer death among females in Australia. It is estimated that it will become the 19th most common cause of death from cancer among females in 2018.
In 2016, there were 259 deaths from cervical cancer in Australia. In 2018, it is estimated that it will remain stable at 258 deaths. In 2018, it is estimated that the risk of a female dying from cervical cancer by her 85th birthday will be 1 in 480.
In 2014, the age–standardised incidence rate was 7.4 cases per 100,000 females. In 2018, it is estimated that the age–standardised incidence rate will be 7.1 cases per 100,000 females. The incidence rate for cervical cancer is expected to be highest for age group 35–39, followed by age groups 85+ and 40–44.
In 2016, the age–standardised mortality rate was 1.9 deaths per 100,000 females. In 2018, it is estimated that the age–standardised mortality rate will be 1.8 deaths per 100,000 females. The mortality rate for cervical cancer is expected to increase with age to age group 80–84, before decreasing.
The number of new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed decreased from 965 in 1982 to 898 in 2014. Over the same period, the age–standardised incidence rate decreased from 14 cases per 100,000 females in 1982 to 7.4 cases per 100,000 females in 2014.
The number of deaths from cervical cancer decreased from 378 in 1968 to 259 in 2016. Over the same period, the age–standardised mortality rate decreased from 7.7 deaths per 100,000 females in 1968 to 1.9 deaths per 100,000 females in 2016.
Survival
In 2010–2014, females diagnosed with cervical cancer had a 73% chance of surviving for 5 years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1985–1989 and 2010–2014, 5–year relative survival from cervical cancer improved from 69% to 73%.
Survivorship population
At the end of 2013, there were 756 females living who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer that year, 3,194 females living who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer in the previous 5 years (from 2009 to 2013) and 15,953 females living who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer in the previous 32 years (from 1982 to 2013).
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality (ACIM) books: Cervical cancer. Canberra: AIHW.
AIHW 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017. Cancer series no. 101. Cat. No. CAN 100. Canberra: AIHW.