New cases

In 2016, there were 388 new cases of vulvar cancer diagnosed in females in Australia. In 2020, it is estimated that 447 new cases of vulvar cancer will be diagnosed in Australia.

Figure 1. Estimated most common cancers diagnosed among females, 2020

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about incidence rates for the most common cancers diagnosed can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer incidence’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/diagnosis/cancer-incidence/cancer-incidence) 

In 2016, the age-standardised incidence rate was 2.6 cases per 100,000 females. In 2020, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will be 2.8 cases per 100,000 females. The incidence rate for vulvar cancer is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 85-89.

Figure 2. Age-standardised incidence rates for vulvar cancer, 1982 to 2016

Notes:

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

The number of new cases of vulvar cancer diagnosed increased from 141 in 1982 to 388 in 2016. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate increased slightly from 2.1 cases per 100,000 females in 1982 to 2.6 cases per 100,000 females in 2016.

Deaths 

In 2018, there were 98 deaths from vulvar cancer in females in Australia. In 2020, it is estimated that this will increase to 99 deaths. 

Figure 3. Estimated most common causes of cancer death among females, 2020

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about mortality rates for the most common causes of cancer death can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer mortality’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/outcomes/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality) 

In 2018, the age-standardised mortality rate was 0.6 deaths per 100,000 females. In 2020, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will be 0.5 deaths per 100,000 females. The mortality rate for vulvar cancer is expected to increase with age.

Figure 4. Age-standardised mortality rates for vulvar cancer, 1982 to 2018

Notes: 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

The number of deaths from vulvar cancer increased from 50 in 1982 to 98 in 2018. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate was 0.8 deaths per 100,000 females in 1982 and 0.6 deaths per 100,000 in 2018. 

Survival 

In 2012–2016, females diagnosed with vulvar cancer had a 72% chance of surviving for five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1987–1991 and 2012–2016, five-year relative survival for vulvar cancer improved from 66% to 72%.. 

Figure 5. 5-year relative survival for vulvar cancer, 1987–1991 to 2012–2016

Notes:

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

Prevalence 

At the end of 2015, there were 330 females living who had been diagnosed with vulvar cancer that year, 1,350 females living who had been diagnosed with vulvar cancer in the previous 5 years (from 2011 to 2015) and 3,363 females living who had been diagnosed with vulvar cancer in the previous 34 years (from 1982 to 2015).

For more information on cancer data, see the NCCI website  

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes.  The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.