Cancer mortality and incidence rates for Indigenous Australians are declining, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). While outcomes are improving, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain more likely than non-Indigenous citizens to be diagnosed with the most lethal forms of the disease.
Declining Cancer Rates in Indigenous Populations
Data from the AIHW shows a measurable drop in cancer prevalence and death rates among Indigenous Australians over a 14-year span. The cancer incidence rate fell from 342 cases per 100,000 people in 2011 to 315 cases per 100,000 by 2025. Mortality rates saw a decline, dropping from 148 to 105 deaths per 100,000 people during that same period.
The AIHW notes that these decreases have been more significant for the Indigenous population than for non-Indigenous Australians. However, the overall rates of cancer and death remain higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to the general population.
Did you know? The drop in mortality (from 148 to 105 per 100,000) and the drop in incidence (from 342 to 315 per 100,000) occurred between 2011 and 2025.
The Gap in High-Mortality Cancer Diagnoses
Despite the general downward trend in numbers, a critical disparity persists in the types of cancers being diagnosed. Justin Harvey, a spokesperson for the AIHW, stated in a media release that Indigenous Australians are twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to be diagnosed with cancers that have a five-year survival rate below 30 percent.
This suggests that while overall cancer numbers are falling, Indigenous patients are disproportionately affected by cancers that have a five-year survival rate below 30 percent.
Comparative Data Summary: 2011 vs. 2025
| Metric (per 100k) | 2011 Rate | 2025 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Incidence | 342 | 315 |
| Cancer Mortality | 148 | 105 |
Future Outlook for Indigenous Health Equity
For more on health equity, visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Pro Tip: Early screening is a way to identify cancers. Always follow government-recommended screening schedules for bowel, breast, and cervical cancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cancer rates for Indigenous Australians going down?
Yes. According to the AIHW, incidence fell from 342 to 315 per 100,000 people between 2011 and 2025.
Is the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cancer rates closing?
The AIHW reports that decreases in cancer incidence and mortality have been greater among the Indigenous population than the non-Indigenous population since 2011.
Why are some Indigenous Australians still at higher risk?
AIHW spokesperson Justin Harvey noted that Indigenous Australians are twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancers featuring a five-year survival rate of less than 30 percent.
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