Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges worldwide. In 2021, about 15% of all deaths were cancer-related. In Australia, there are approximately 624 cases of cancer per 100,000 people, an incidence which has increased by about 7 % over 20 years, with an estimated 43 % of people being diagnosed by the age of 85 years. On a positive note, improved oncological medicine and care have reduced mortality by about 25 % which is very reassuring. The top ten cancers diagnosed in Australia, starting with the most common, are Prostate Cancer, followed by Breast Cancer, Melanoma, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Kidney Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Thyroid Cancer and Uterine Cancer. From this group, deaths are more common with Lung Cancer, followed by Colorectal cancer and then Pancreatic and Breast cancer.

Often, a primary practitioner will make the diagnosis or suspect changes in his/her patient that lead to a diagnosis being established. Whilst most treatment regimens are initiated by Oncologists, radiotherapists or Surgeons, the primary practitioner is very frequently saddled with managing many of the day-to-day issues arising from therapy and the emotional trauma associated with cancer treatment. I was interested to explore oncology in general practice more with my colleague, Oncologist Dr Michael Fernando, who generously joins us today on the podcast.  Michael is beginning his journey in medicine and brings a huge amount of compassion, maturity and enthusiasm with him. He also jointly runs a podcast called Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind, which has been very well received, and I strongly recommend it to you.

Please welcome Michael to the conversation.

References.

Dr Michael Fernando. Epping Specialist Group. www.eppingspecialistgroup.com

Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind: podcasts.apple.com