Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) has published the first Atlas of Cancer in Queensland, launching the start of statewide celebrations for our 50th Anniversary.

The Atlas provides a comprehensive picture of how cancer incidence and survival varies across the 478 statistical local areas in Queensland, based on latest data.

CCQ researcher and co-author of the report, Susanna Cramb, says publication of the Atlas is a historic milestone for cancer control in Queensland.

“The Atlas is significant for its contribution to our understanding of how cancer incidence and survival affects Queenslanders differently depending on where a person lives.

“It showcases how far we have come over the past 50 years and provides an inspiring reminder that we have more work to do.”

Ms Cramb says while there have been many improvements in health during the 20th century, these improvements have not been shared equally, and some population groups continue to have poorer health.

“The Atlas shows a consistent pattern that when survival varied across Queensland, cancer patients living in more rural or disadvantaged areas had lower survival compared to the Queensland average.

“If survival outcomes in these rural areas were improved to the current Queensland average survival, an estimated 1,223 cancer-related deaths within five years of diagnosis (795 males, 428 females) could have been prevented.

“This represents nine per cent of cancer related deaths during this period.” Ms Cramb says the Atlas provides a key tool for reducing these differences, by creating a better understanding of where the disparities are.

“The Atlas will help to inform our ongoing research into geographical disparities, so that we can better understand the factors that influence variations in cancer incidence and survival.

“Variations may be caused by a range of factors, including, but not restricted to, environmental factors, access to screening and diagnostic services, stage at diagnosis, access to effective treatment and care, migration of cancer patients, the mix of cancer types present in that region, or even chance.”

Ms Cramb says the report will provide a rationale for greater allocation of funding and resources to improve detection and survival outcomes for cancer patients across the whole of Queensland.

To view the Atlas or find out more about our 50th Anniversary, go to www.cancerqld.org.au