New research by Cancer Council Queensland has revealed that rare cancers account for 22% of all invasive cancer diagnoses and 27% of all cancer-related deaths in Australia between 2007-2016.
The research showed that incidence and survival of rare cancers varied across the country, with remote and disadvantaged areas having higher incidence and lower survival.
Professor Peter Baade, the senior author of the paper, stressed the need to address the logistical challenges in diagnosing and treating rare cancer patients living in rural and disadvantaged areas.
Cancer survivor Wayne Reynolds shared his experience and emphasized the importance of more information, resources, and support for rare cancer patients.
The study analysed data from eight population-based cancer registries in Australia, and found significant disparities in incidence and survival rates of rare cancers across different geographical areas.