Rare and Less Common Cancers Account for One-Third of All Cancer Diagnoses

Rare Disease Day - 28 February 2022

One in three of the estimated 151,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer in 2021 have a rare or less common cancer, according to the Cancer in Australia 2021 report.

Rare Cancers Australia – a charity whose purpose is to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare and less common cancers – defines a cancer as rare if it affects less than six people per 100,000. A less common cancer is one that affects less than 12 people per 100,000.

There have been significant advances in cancer treatment in the past several decades. Earlier detection, improvements in surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and more recently the introduction of immunotherapy. These advances have led to increased survival rates across all cancers. However, improvements in survival seen in rare and less common cancers are only half that observed in common cancers, as noted by the report.

Survival rates are lower in rare and less common cancers for a number of reasons. These cancers are difficult to diagnose – and once diagnosed are often at an advanced stage, making them more difficult to treat. Additionally, there are limited options for therapy for people diagnosed with rare and less common cancers. Fewer clinical studies of these cancers are being conducted – mainly due to small patient numbers – delaying the identification of suitable therapies.

Richard Vines, CEO of Rare Cancers Australia, indicates on their website that the charity is determined to increase awareness, highlight the need for further research and initiate policy discussion and action. This will improve the lives and outcomes of all Australians living with a rare or less common cancer. Rare Cancers Australia are currently focused on: strengthening the patient community, advocacy, patient support programs, fundraising, treatment and research, and early diagnosis.

“Being diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer can be incredibly isolating and we know that many people struggle to find information specific to their cancer type, which can add to the distress of a diagnosis” explains Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Cancer Council Australia in a media release.

To better meet the needs of those diagnosed with rare and less common cancers, a useful guide has been developed – Understanding Rare and Less Common Cancers. This guide was developed by Cancer Council Australia in consultation with Rare Cancers Australia, Cancer Voices Australia, Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia and the Walter Elizabeth Hall Institute of Medical Research.

In addition to this – KnowledgeBase – an extensive database providing information on over 200 rare and less common cancers has been established by Rare Cancers Australia. This database also includes other resources like clinical trials, specialists and support services.

Help spread awareness of rare and less common cancers this Rare Disease Day – Monday 28 February 2022. Despite being rare, these cancers account for one-third of all cancer diagnoses in Australia.

If you, or anyone you know, has a rare or less common cancer tap into the resources and support provided by the following organisations:

• Rare Cancers Australia (www.rarecancers.org.au)

• Cancer Council Australia (www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/rare-cancers

This article was published on LinkedIn on 28 February 2022.

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