Close the gap on the big C so we can live longer

As regional cancer services and care lag behind our metro counterparts, journalist SHERELE MOODY examines the impact of cancer on our community

CANCER is our region’s biggest killer.

NewsRegional can reveal cancer was behind 12.8% of the 5679 deaths in Toowoomba between 2010 and 2014.

Of the 730 people who died from cancer, the 2016 Social Health Atlas of Australia shows lung cancer claimed 158 lives, colorectal cancer killed 63 residents and breast cancer ended the lives of 55 women in the five years.

Circulatory system diseases were our region’s second biggest killers, with 378 lives lost. Heart disease killed 188 residents and strokes cost 82 people their lives.

With 232 deaths, external causes were our region’s third biggest killer.

These included 66 people dying in traffic accidents and 91 lives lost to suicide or self-harm. Respiratory diseases were our fourth biggest killers, with 131 deaths over the five years.

Toowoomba residents were least likely to die of endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, with only 54 lives lost to these between 2010 and 2014.

Cancer Council Queensland says 13% of Toowoomba cancer deaths can be prevented and cancer patients in regional and disadvantaged areas suffered “significantly worse” outcomes than urban patients.

“Possible reasons for these disparities include reduced access to health care and diagnostic or screening services as well as differences in cancer risk factors such as tobacco smoking, diet, alcohol consumption and physical activity,” CCQ executive manager Katie Clift said.

“Those who live outside the reach of major health centres are more likely to die within five years of their cancer diagnosis.

“More research is needed to identify the reasons for the disparities and to develop targeted strategies that help close the gap.

“Additional public investments in regionally specific research and translational initiatives are vital to improving healthcare for regional Queenslanders.”

Regional residents will benefit from an upgrade of CCQ’s Herston lodge, which provides accommodation for people travelling to Brisbane for cancer treatment.

Breast Cancer Network Australia chief Christine Nolan said her organisation was investigating the gaps in cancer services and care across regional Australia.

“The experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer can differ greatly depending on where you live – and that shouldn’t be the case,” Ms Nolan said.

“As a society we have come a long way in breast cancer research, treatment and support services but there is still more to be done.

“We know there are considerable variations across the country in terms of what services and treatment people are able to access.”

Queenslanders who live outside the reach of major health centres such as south-east Queensland are more likely to die within five years of their cancer diagnosis.

— Katie Clift Cancer Council Queensland