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Cancers at a glance

Click the cancer types below to view the latest key facts on trends in new cases, deaths and survival in NSW.

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Cancer presentation slides

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In depth cancer reports

For detailed data and analysis, please see the latest cancer reports published by the Cancer Institute

Cancer in NSW: Incidence and Mortality 2008

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Bowel cancer

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Bowel cancer accounts for 13 per cent of all new cancer in NSW and 13 per cent of cancer deaths.

At a glance

2008 statistics Men Women All People
Cases Rate Trend Cases Rate Trend Cases Rate
New cases 2,606 73 icon-trend-static.png 2,135 51 icon-trend-static.png 4,741 61.3
Deaths 935 26.9 positive trend downwards16.3 781 17.7 positive trend downwards 14.9 1,716 21.8
Relative survival
(5 year)		 65% Unchanged 66% icon-trend-static.png 1% -

icon-trend-static.png No statistically significant change.

  • Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in NSW
  • One in 10 men and one in 15 women will develop bowel cancer by the age of 85
  • The majority of new cases were in people aged 65 years and older: 63.4 per cent for males and 69.6 per cent for females

Cases refers to the number of people with the disease; Rate means cases per 100,000 people (age standardised); Trend means the change in the rate over 10 years.

Historical trends

New cases

Age-standardised incidence, NSW

NSW bowel cancer incidence, 1972-2008

Deaths

Age-standardised mortality, NSW

NSW bowel cancer mortality, 1972-2008

 

Risk factors

  • People over the age of 50  are at higher risk of developing bowel cancer.
  • Family history of bowel cancer is known to increase the risk.
  • People with personal history of adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non polyposis colon cancer, polyps, or infl ammatory bowel disease are at greater risk
  • Crohn's disease and diabetes increase the greater risk
  • Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and those with a diet high in animal fats and processed meats are at greater risk
  • Tobacco consumption or heavy alcohol consumption may also increase the risk

 

Prevention

Physical activity and a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, cereals and whole grains are known protective factors. Tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Detection and screening

Early detection provides the best chance to cure bowel cancer.

People aged over 50 should speak to their doctor about having a simple bowel screen every two years. The screen, called the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), is self administered and checks for traces of blood in stools or bowel motions.

Research

Around $9.6 million was spent on research into colorectal cancer in NSW between 2007 and 2009.

Data sources:

  1. Cancer In NSW, Incidence and Mortality Report 2008. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, August 2010.
  2. Cancer Research in NSW 2007-2009. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW. March 2011.
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