New cases of cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
In 2021, there were 2,814 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (1,454 cases for males and 1,360 cases for females).
In 2025 it is estimated that there were 3,237 cases of cancer diagnosed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (1,716 cases for males and 1,521 cases for females).
In 2025, lung cancer was projected to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, followed by prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma of the skin. Prostate cancer was projected to be the most common cancer among First Nations males and breast cancer among First Nations females.
Graph: Statistics First Nations Figure 1 Most common diagnosis 2025
In 2021, the age-standardised incidence rate was 315 cases per 100,000 persons (347 for males and 290 for females). In 2025, the estimated age-standardised incidence rate of all cancers combined for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 315 cases per 100,000 persons (351 for males and 286 for females).
In 2025, the estimated age-specific incidence rate for all cancers combined increased with age.
Graph: Statistics First Nations Figure 2 age specific incidence rates 2025
Deaths from cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
In 2021, 1,059 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people died from cancer (569 males and 490 females).
In 2025 it is estimated that 1,099 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people died from cancer (609 of these cases were males and 490 cases were females).
In 2025, lung cancer was estimated to be the leading cause of cancer death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, followed by colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer.
Graph: Statistics First Nations Figure 3 most common cause of death 2025
In 2021, the age-standardised mortality rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 118.9 deaths per 100,000 persons (139 for males and 103 for females).
In 2025, the estimated age-standardised mortality rate of all cancers combined for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 105 cases per 100,000 persons (125 for males and 89 for females).
In 2025, the estimated age-specific mortality rate for all cancers combined increased with age.
Graph: Statistics First Nations Figure 4 age specific mortality rates 2025
Survival
Between 2017 and 2021, the 5-year relative survival of First Nations people (all ages) diagnosed with cancer was 58%.
For more information on cancer data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Indicators website
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Indicators are designed to monitor performance across the seven priority areas outlined in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework and align with the Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. These Indicators are designed to lead to better care and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer.
The website provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer data in one location designed for use by policymakers, governments, cancer organisations, researchers, health professionals, and consumers. The data on the website will enhance understanding, stimulate enquiry and inform future directions in cancer control, whether in research, policy or clinical care. It will also be a trustworthy, authoritative source of information for the broader community and people affected by cancer.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Australian Cancer Database 2021.
