Cancer - using epidemiological data to understand the patterns

Abstract

Abstract: Epidemiology is used to describe cancer trends in the population, investigate means by which cancer can be tackled, and evaluate interventions. It is an important tool used by policy makers and planners to identify and address public health issues. Developing an understanding of cancer data, how it is sourced, reported and used is useful for nurses working in all areas of cancer control to better understand the current cancer care context and how it is informed. Epidemiological data are used by consumer groups, non-government organisations, governments and the media when discussing health service needs and outcomes. In this report, the current state of cancer epidemiology in Australia is reviewed, and in particular, how epidemiological data are gathered, reported and used to advance cancer control is described.