‘Wake-up call’ for new Parliament as half of Australians fear health system is unprepared for cancer surge

Australia’s newly elected Parliament is being urged to prioritise cancer prevention and care, as new data reveals nearly half of Australians (45%) believe the health system is unprepared for what is expected to be a significant increase in cancer cases over the coming decade.

The findings paint a troubling picture of public sentiment, with 7 in 10 Australians (71%) saying they are worried about developing cancer in their lifetime. That concern is even more pronounced among younger generations. Eight in ten Australians aged 25–34 (80%), and nearly as many aged 35–49 (79%), are fearful about their cancer risk in the years ahead.

Cancer Council Australia’s Director of Cancer Control Policy, Megan Varlow, said the data reflects mounting public anxiety and presents a clear opportunity for the newly elected Parliament to act.

“Research shows that more than 4.56 million new cancer cases are projected to be diagnosed in Australia between 2020 and 2044, placing a significant burden on the health system. Whilst nearly half of Australians believe the system isn’t prepared for this challenge, if we put the right policies in place today, we can significantly reduce its impact,” explained Varlow.

Compounding the challenge, 40% of Australians do not believe the Federal Government makes it easier to live a healthy life.

“We know that 42% of the total cancer burden is attributed to modifiable risk factors such as overweight and obesity, insufficient physical inactivity and UV exposure – all areas where prevention measures can make a significant difference,” she said.

Cancer Council is urging the new government and Parliament to make a national commitment to cancer control through targeted action on prevention, early detection, and equitable care. Priorities include addressing rising obesity rates to reduce the incidence of 13 types of cancer, investing in skin cancer prevention, boosting participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), and reducing the financial burden of cancer through improved access to services and support.

Varlow said prevention must be paired with policies that help Australians live healthier lives, backed by systems that make that choice possible.

“Australians deserve to live healthy lives now and into the future. This means having easy access to healthy foods to feed their families. It means living in environments that promote physical activity, like being able to walk to the shops, school or the office. It means feeling confident in looking after their health by protecting their skin from the sun or by taking a cancer screening test,” she said.

“While prevention is key to reducing cancer rates, we need to recognise that nearly 1 in 2 Australians will be affected by cancer in their lifetime. By doing this, we need to ensure those affected have support to feel financially informed and secure into their cancer diagnosis,” Varlow stated.

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