Australians are more likely to develop cancer than any other country in the world, according to a new study.
An international study of 195 countries in 2016 showed 743.8 new cancer cases per one hundred thousand Australians, followed by New Zealand (542.8) and the United States (532.9).
The study reveals an upward trend in new cases in rich countries, and scientists warn that lifestyle-linked cancer is growing.
Countries with the highest number of new cancer cases per one hundred thousand (age-adjusted) population in 2016:
Australia (743.8)
New Zealand (542.8)
United States (532.9)
Netherlands (477.3)
Luxembourg (455.4)
Iceland (455.0)
Norway (446.1)
United Kingdom (438.6)
Ireland (429.7)
Denmark (421.7)
The most common type of cancer in Australia is non-melanoma skin cancer, followed by prostate cancer, colon and rectal cancer, malignant cutaneous melanoma, and then breast cancer.
The study, compiled by scientists at the University of Washington, was published in the journal JAMA Oncology. It shows that although Australia ranks highest in the number of new cases, it is not among the countries with the highest mortality rates.
The countries with the highest cancer mortality rates are Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Dominica.
Countries with the highest number of cancer deaths per one hundred thousand people in 2016:
Mongolia (272.1)
Zimbabwe (245.8)
Dominica (203.1)
Hungary (202.7)
Grenada (201.0)
Uruguay (190.6)
Tonga (189.7)
Korea (188.7)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (183.1)
Croatia (180.2)
Lung and colorectal cancer accounted for the largest proportion of cancer deaths, according to the study. Lung and colorectal cancer accounted for nearly 20% of all cancer deaths in 2016.
Among women, breast cancer accounts for the largest proportion of cancer deaths. Lung cancer accounts for the largest proportion of cancer deaths in men, while prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer and death in men.
Dr. Christina Fitzmaurice, Assistant Professor of Global Health at the University of Washington, said: "it is worrying that the incidence of lung, rectal and skin cancer has increased over the past decade. But the potential for cancer prevention is enormous. "
"in order to respond to the increase in lifestyle-related cancer cases, we need to scale up important prevention efforts such as tobacco control, dietary interventions and broader health campaigns," she said.
In the decade to 2016, cancer mortality has declined in most countries, but morbidity has risen.