Men’s Cancer Risk in Australia (2025): What the Latest Numbers Mean — and How Preventive Health Screening Can Save Lives
- Dr Duy Dinh
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Key Take-aways (TL;DR)
Men still shoulder the heavier cancer burden. In 2024, Australian males are projected to experience 729 new cancer cases per 100 000 men versus 534 per 100 000 women. AIHW
Four cancers dominate male diagnoses: prostate, melanoma of the skin, colorectal (bowel) and lung. Together they account for nearly 60 % of all new male cancers.canceraustralia.gov.aucanceraustralia.gov.aucanceraustralia.gov.aucanceraustralia.gov.au
Survival is improving, mortality is falling. Age-adjusted male cancer mortality has dropped to an estimated 240 deaths per 100 000 in 2024, a 29 % fall since 2000. AIHW
Early detection works. Five-year survival now exceeds 95 % for prostate cancer and 94 % for melanoma, where screening or vigilant skin checks are common. canceraustralia.gov.aucanceraustralia.gov.au
Indigenous men remain at higher risk. First Nations Australians record higher incidence and lower survival across several cancers, emphasising the need for culturally safe, accessible screening. AIHW
Why Are Men at Higher Risk?
Biology & hormones (e.g., androgens driving prostate growth).
Behavioural factors: higher rates of smoking, alcohol, red-meat intake and sun exposure.
Lower screening uptake: men attend GP appointments and preventive health checks less often than women.
Occupational exposures: shift-work, chemicals and dusts in certain male-dominated industries.
Latest 2025 Statistics at a Glance
Cancer | New male cases 2024 | % of all male cancers | Male deaths 2024 | 5-yr relative survival (2016-20) |
Prostate | 26 368 | 28 % | 3 901 | |
Melanoma (skin) | 11 034 | 12 % | 892 | |
Colorectal (bowel) | 8 205 | 9 % | 2 730 | |
Lung | 7 718 | 8 % | 4 909 |
All figures are AIHW projections for 2024; survival refers to persons of either sex unless stated.
The Life-Saving Power of Preventive Health Screening
1. Prostate Cancer (PSA ± MRI-guided assessment)
Who? Most guidelines advise shared decision-making from age 50 (or 40–45 if family history).
Why? Localised prostate cancer has >95 % 5-year survival; metastatic disease < 36 %.
Telehealth edge: Discuss PSA results and next-step imaging with a GP from home -
2. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
Free iFOBT kits now start at age 45 (previously 50) and arrive by mail every two years. Early detection cures >90 % of cases.Australian Department of Health
Call-out keyword: “free bowel cancer test kit Australia 45 – 74”.
3. Skin Checks & Dermoscopy
Australia leads the world in melanoma rates; men aged 50–74 have the steepest rise. Regular total-body skin exams or AI-assisted tele-dermatology can spot lesions years earlier.
4. Emerging Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Screening
Recommended for high-risk adults aged 55-74 with ≥30 pack-year smoking history. National program pilots are under way; talk to your GP about eligibility.
5. Heart & Metabolic Screens (bonus)
Many cancer risk factors overlap with cardiovascular disease. A comprehensive men’s preventive health check (lipids, blood pressure, HbA1c, BMI, lifestyle coaching) multiplies the benefit.
How Preventive Screening Saves Lives — Evidence Snapshot
Melanoma: 20-year Queensland data show a 30 % fall in mortality after widespread skin-check campaigns.canceraustralia.gov.au
Bowel: Modelling of the National Program predicts 2 000 deaths averted yearly once full age-range participation is achieved.Australian Department of Health
Prostate: Australian mortality has dropped 49 % since the 1990s despite ageing populations — largely through earlier detection and improved therapy.canceraustralia.gov.au
Take Action Today
Don’t wait for symptoms. Most early-stage cancers are silent. Booking a 30-minute Preventive Longevity Health Screening with Zelica Telehealth Clinic gives you:
An evidence-based cancer-risk assessment tailored to your age, family history and lifestyle.
Electronic referrals for PSA, iFOBT kits, skin or imaging studies – no in-person queue required.
A follow-up plan with reminders, lifestyle coaching and direct specialist pathways if needed.
➡️ Ready to prioritise your health?Click here to book your online preventive health check now and add years to your life, not just life to your years.
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References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Cancer data in Australia 2024 AIHW
Cancer Australia – Prostate cancer in Australia statistics canceraustralia.gov.au
Cancer Australia – Bowel cancer (Colorectal) statistics canceraustralia.gov.au
Cancer Australia – Melanoma of the skin statistics canceraustralia.gov.au
Cancer Australia – Lung cancer statistics canceraustralia.gov.au
AIHW – Cancer in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People AIHW
Australian Government Dept. of Health – National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Australian Department of Health
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