What is the prevalence of cancer in Australia in 2022?

What is the prevalence of cancer in Australia in 2022?

• A. 1 in 10 Australians (10%)
• B. 1 in 25 Australians (4%)
• C. 1 in 100 Australians (1%)
• D. 1 in 50 Australians (1.8%)

Answer: (D)

Prevalence is the proportion of people who are living with cancer at a given moment. In 2022, about 1.8% of Australians were living with cancer, which is roughly 1 in 50 people. This figure results from the balance of new cancers diagnosed and people who survive after diagnosis, so it reflects people currently in the "cancer survivor" pool rather than new cases only. The other options imply much higher or lower fractions than what the data show for that year. Since the observed prevalence is about 1.8%, the statement matching 1 in 50 Australians (1.8%) is the best fit.

Prevalence is the proportion of people who are living with cancer at a given moment. In 2022, about 1.8% of Australians were living with cancer, which is roughly 1 in 50 people. This figure results from the balance of new cancers diagnosed and people who survive after diagnosis, so it reflects people currently in the "cancer survivor" pool rather than new cases only. The other options imply much higher or lower fractions than what the data show for that year. Since the observed prevalence is about 1.8%, the statement matching 1 in 50 Australians (1.8%) is the best fit.