Cancer rates among men in West Wimmera are the highest in Western Victoria and are likely to increase in the coming years, new research shows.
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The Deakin University research mapping cancer prevalence across the region shows increasing rates in disadvantaged and rural areas.
It shows the highest cancer rate for women in Western Victoria was in Ararat.
Deakin University School of Medicine PhD student Stephanie Cowdery said politicians and health professionals could use the data to better inform policy decisions and target service provision.
"Disparity between regional and rural patients will become more of an issue as Australia's ageing population increases," she said.
"About 60 per cent of new cancer diagnoses in Australia occur in those over 65."
The research is part of a study being carried out into ageing, chronic disease and injury by Deakin University and Barwon Health.
Ms Cowdery collected data from the Victorian Cancer Registry for adults aged 40-plus between 2010 and 2013 and matched it with information from 21 local government areas across western Victoria - including the regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Horsham and Warrnambool.
"The projection of cancer incidents and mortality indicate an increased burden of cancer in Victoria by 2027-2031, with the annual number of new cancer diagnoses expected to increase by over 38 per cent and deaths by 19 per cent," Ms Cowdery said.
She said this increase was expected to be felt even more keenly in regional areas where the cancer incidence is higher than cities and the survival rate is lower.
"This difference is often attributed to reduced access to screening and treatment services in rural areas, an older population and lower socioeconomic status," she said.
She said individuals who live in areas identified to have a higher prevalence of cancer should take necessary precautions.
"Having an annual check-up with your GP or local health service is a good start," she said.
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