Lung cancer and bowel cancer are the most deadly forms of cancer for people living in the Western NSW local health district yet both diseases are either highly preventable or largely treatable according to new Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and Cancer Institute NSW CEO Professor Tracey O'Brien, who visited the area on Monday 28 November.

The adult smoking rate in our region is almost 10% higher than the state average, and 9 out of 10 bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early.

Cancer, in all its forms, continues to be the leading cause of premature death and illness in NSW. It has a huge impact on the lives of many individuals, families, and the healthcare system.

Professor O'Brien's visit was part of the Reporting Better Outcomes Cancer Program annual review which uses todays data to drive continuous improvement in cancer services including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy as well as access to screening, prevention and clinical trials.

"In the Western NSW Local Health District, it is projected that this year alone, 2,047 people will be told they have cancer, and 649 people will lose their lives to the disease, Professor O'Brien said.

"There are communities that continue to experience poorer cancer outcomes, including Aboriginal communities, people living in regional, rural and remote NSW and multicultural communities," Professor O'Brien said. 

Professor Tracey O'Brien said WNSWLHD is now a "global leader" in cancer care.

"NSW cancer survival rates are among the best in the world, but there is still so much more we can do to lessen the impact of cancer" Professor O'Brien said.

"Cancer continues to impact too many people in our community with one in two people across NSW diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime."

 Western NSW Health District continues to lead the world in cancer survival rates.

Overview of statistics in the Cancer in WNSWLHD Snapshot Report

The Cancer Institute of NSW has released a snapshot report regarding this year's cancer statistics within the Western NSW Health District. The report outlines expected cancer incidence and mortality in western NSW in 2022 and the most common cancers.

The snapshot report also showcased other statistics regarding cancer diagnosis within the Western NSW Local Health District including:

• 1 in 5 Australians die from cancer before the age of 85

• The most common cancer expected to be diagnosed in WNSWLHD in 2022 is breast cancer

• The most common cause of cancer death in WNSWLHD in 2022 is lung cancer

• Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in NSW

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with 1 in 7 women in NSW developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

• Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in Australia

• The WNSWHD adult daily smoking rate 17.9% which is is 9.7% higher than NSW average

• The number of eligible people taking part in breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening continues to increase 

Professor O'Brien met with local health district representatives including Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Chief Executive Mark Spittal, Director of Cancer Services and Innovation Dr Ruth Jones and senior cancer services staff in Dubbo to discuss local cancer outcomes and how the Cancer Institute of NSW can support the local health district in lessening the impacts of cancer in western NSW.

"I was pleased to visit the WNSWLHD and meet with Mr Spittal and his team to discuss local cancer treatments, patient care and support, as well as cancer prevention and screening programs," she said.

Mr Spittal said the WNSWLHD is fortunate to have a wonderful team of dedicated cancer care professionals, committed to the continued development of the LHD’s District-wide network of services.

“Our staff work incredibly hard to not only deliver world-class cancer care across our vast footprint, but also improve and grow our services. We welcome this ongoing collaboration with the Institute as we continue to develop innovative ways to provide cancer care and support to our communities, as close to home as possible,” Mr Spittal said.