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%

Suggest TWO reasons for these improved statistics and how they affect survival rates. (4 marks)

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Earlier detection through enhanced screening programs like BreastScreen Australia and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program could account for this improvement.
Early detection allows for intervention before cancers progress to advanced stages.
A second contributing factor is advancements in cancer treatments, including more targeted therapies, improved surgical techniques and more effective combination treatments.
These treatments can materially improve outcomes for cancer patients at all stages of their cancer, extending life expectancy and survival rates.

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Earlier detection through enhanced screening programs like BreastScreen Australia and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program could account for this improvement.
Early detection allows for intervention before cancers progress to advanced stages.
A second contributing factor is advancements in cancer treatments, including more targeted therapies, improved surgical techniques and more effective combination treatments.
These treatments can materially improve outcomes for cancer patients at all stages of their cancer, extending life expectancy and survival rates.