Cancer type summaries for NSW


Cancer in NSW impacts people living with a cancer diagnosis, caring for a loved one, or searching for a cure.

The current five-year survival rate for cancer in NSW is on par with the best health systems in the world.

Advances in prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are allowing many more people to survive and live longer with the disease.

NSW is currently a leader in cancer care and treatment, but key facts show there is still work to be done.



Read how the above incidence and mortality data was calculated 

View all cancer type statistics

All cancers statistics

All cancers statistics
NSW cancer summary

NSW cancer summary

  • There were 44,978 cases of invasive cancer diagnosed in NSW in 2016.
  • Men were 1.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than women.
  • The most common cancers were—prostate, bowel, breast, melanoma and lung—these accounted for 59% of all new cases.
  • In 2020 there are 48,846 projected new cases of cancer and 15,756 cancer deaths expected in NSW.
  • Some of us are more affected by cancer than others. This includes:
    • Aboriginal communities
    • culturally and linguistically diverse communities
    • rural—remote communities
    • people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

As more people survive cancer, the impact on the healthcare system will increase.

This includes the need for long-term follow-up after treatment, ongoing rehabilitation and improved palliative care.