HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 009

Australia's Health 2024 report published findings that

5-year relative survival rates for cancer have improved from 53% in 1990-1994 to 71% in 2015-2019.
This improvement is particularly notable in specific cancers such as prostate cancer, which saw survival rates rise from 66% to 96%, and breast cancer in females which increased from 78% to 92%.

Outline TWO reasons for these improved statistics and explain how these they affect survival rates? (5 marks)

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*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “Explain” keyword is bolded in the answer below.

Early Detection:

Earlier detection through screening programs creates better survival outcomes.
First, programs like BreastScreen Australia identify cancers at Stage 1 or 2, which enables immediate treatment.
This leads to surgical removal while tumours are small and localised. As a result, 5-year survival rates increase because cancer hasn’t spread to other organs.
For example, breast cancer detected through screening has 99% survival at Stage 1, demonstrating how early detection directly improves outcomes.

Improved cancer treatments:

Advanced treatment technologies improve survival through connected steps.
Initially, genetic testing identifies cancer mutations, which causes doctors to prescribe targeted therapies. This then leads to cancer cells being destroyed precisely while protecting healthy tissue.
Consequently, patients experience fewer side effects and stronger responses. This results in extended survival because treatments attack cancer’s specific weaknesses.

Detection and Improved Treatment combining:

These factors work together – when screening detects cancer early and targeted treatments are applied, this combination causes dramatic improvements like prostate cancer’s rise to 96% survival.

Show Worked Solution

*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “Explain” keyword is bolded in the answer below.

Early Detection:

Earlier detection through screening programs creates better survival outcomes.
First, programs like BreastScreen Australia identify cancers at Stage 1 or 2, which enables immediate treatment.
This leads to surgical removal while tumours are small and localised. As a result, 5-year survival rates increase because cancer hasn’t spread to other organs.
For example, breast cancer detected through screening has 99% survival at Stage 1, demonstrating how early detection directly improves outcomes.

Improved cancer treatments:

Advanced treatment technologies improve survival through connected steps.
Initially, genetic testing identifies cancer mutations, which causes doctors to prescribe targeted therapies. This then leads to cancer cells being destroyed precisely while protecting healthy tissue.
Consequently, patients experience fewer side effects and stronger responses. This results in extended survival because treatments attack cancer’s specific weaknesses.

Detection and Improved Treatment combining:

These factors work together – when screening detects cancer early and targeted treatments are applied, this combination causes dramatic improvements like prostate cancer’s rise to 96% survival.