Media backgrounder: Men facing cancer in South Australia
1 in 2 South Australian men will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they turn 85.
4760 South Australian men are diagnosed with cancer each year.
By this time tomorrow, 13 South Australian men will have heard the words ‘you have cancer.'
The most common cancers facing men in South Australia are prostate, colorectol, and lung cancer.
The Australian survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades.
While more than 60 per cent of South Australian men will now survive a cancer diagnosis, cancer remains the leading cause of death. Every year, 1880 South Australian men will lose their lives as a result of the disease.
Compared to women, South Australian 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, South Australian men can visit the men's cancer information page.
South Australian residents with questions about cancer can call The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Journalists seeking further information about men facing cancer in South Australia should contact:
Jessica Playford
Media & Public Relations Coordinator
The Cancer Council SA
8291 4119 or 0400 855 244
