Cancer trends in Queensland--incidence and mortality from 1982-2001 in light of cancer prevention strategies.

The impact of cancer is multifaceted, ie, it worsens the quality of life of sufferers and increases the burden to caregivers, families, the community, and the government. The objective of this article is to provide some descriptive analyses of cancer trends in Queensland and discuss these in the light of cancer prevention policies and strategies in Australia. The overall trend indicates that one Queenslander out of 3 will develop some form of malignancy in their lifetime if the cancer trend in Queensland continues. This estimate does not take into account the occurrence of multiple primary cancers in a cancer patient. Concerted efforts from research institutions, health care providers, individuals, and the government are needed to ensure effective interventions to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cancer.