Australia: Number of Female Cancer Cases, by type of cancer
Type of cancerNumber of cases
Breast cancer20,458
Melanoma of the skin7,618
Colorectal cancer7,234
Lung cancer7,086
Uterine cancer3,336
Thyroid cancer2,853
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma2,819
Pancreatic cancer2,151
Ovarian cancer and serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube1,786
Kidney cancer1,477
  • Region: Australia
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Aug 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 6, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Breast cancer leads with a significant margin

Breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent among Australian women, with 20,458 cases, dwarfing the second leading type, melanoma of the skin, by a substantial margin of 12,840 cases. This stark contrast underscores breast cancer's prominence as a health issue.

Skin and colorectal cancers follow breast cancer

Melanoma of the skin and colorectal cancer are the second and third most common cancers, with 7,618 and 7,234 cases, respectively. The close numbers between them highlight a significant concern for skin and colorectal health among women.

Lung cancer closely trails colorectal cancer

Lung cancer, with 7,086 cases, is nearly as prevalent as colorectal cancer, indicating a high incidence of lung-related cancers among Australian women and emphasizing the importance of respiratory health.

Uterine and thyroid cancers show noticeable presence

Uterine and thyroid cancers, with 3,336 and 2,853 cases respectively, show a noticeable presence among the top types of cancer, indicating areas where health interventions could be impactful.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers contribute significantly to the total

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer and serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube collectively account for 6,756 cases. This combined figure underlines the significance of these cancers in the overall cancer burden.

Kidney cancer ranks lowest among the top ten

Kidney cancer, with 1,477 cases, is the least common among the top ten cancer types listed, suggesting it is relatively less prevalent but still a significant concern for Australian women.

The top four cancers constitute over 70% of cases

Breast, melanoma of the skin, colorectal, and lung cancers together total 40,396 cases, making up over 70% of the total cases among the leading types, highlighting areas where focused prevention and treatment could yield significant health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most prevalent type of cancer among Australian women?

Breast cancer is the most prevalent among Australian women, with 20,458 cases.

Which are the second and third most common cancers among Australian women?

Melanoma of the skin and colorectal cancer are the second and third most common cancers, with 7,618 and 7,234 cases respectively.

Terms and Definitions

Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. The disease can affect just about any part of the body and can be categorized into various types depending on the origin of the disease.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women globally. The major breast cancer types include ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. It often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, making it more challenging to treat and resulting in a less favorable prognosis.

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide. There are mainly two types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. This form of cancer might be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.

Metastatic cancer is a type of cancer that has spread from the place where it first started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. The process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body is called metastasis.