Upper gastrointestinal cancer incidence on the rise

With the incidence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers continuing to increase and minimal improvements in five-year survival rates across all upper GI cancers, the need for greater investment into cancer research globally, and improved cancer support services for these specialist cancers, is becoming even more urgent.

The latest statistics

In recent statistics released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it is estimated that 12,434 Australians will be diagnosed with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer this year -representing a 7% increase in the number of Australians diagnosed in 2020. The increase in incidence rates is projected across all upper GI cancers – including pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers.

Dr Cara Markovic, Head of Programs at Pancare Foundation, said that there is yet to be any significant advances in research delivering better outcomes for those impacted by upper GI cancers.  “Increases in survival rates for other cancers are correlated with significant investment in research and education over time. The keys to improving survival rates are to drive research breakthroughs in early detection and to find new, innovative treatment options to give patients not only more time, but also a better quality of life”, she said. “For too long, research for low-survival cancers, like upper GI cancers, has been overlooked. We’re proud to partner with some of Australia’s most respected research institutions committed to elevating research in upper GI cancers, but we need more funding to support their important work.”

Pancare’s commitment

Pancare Foundation remains committed to dramatically improving survival and support for upper gastrointestinal cancers. As outlined in the five-year strategic plan, the Foundation aims to invest more than $5 million into research programs to help contribute to doubling survival rates for upper gastrointestinal cancers. For the thousands of Australians estimated to be diagnosed this year, Pancare’s PanSupport program aims to provide dedicated resources, information and support to patients and their families from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

View the latest upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer specific statistics here:
> The latest Australian cancer statistics