To mark World Cancer Day, 4 February 2019, the Andrews Government is encouraging all Victorians to make a commitment to themselves and their loved ones and get screened.

New statistics show an alarming 2,273 people are living with cancer in the Wendouree and Buninyong electorates, with 719 new cases reported each year.

More than one third of cancer cases can be prevented and another third can be cured if detected and treated early.

Labor MPs Juliana Addison and Michaela Settle are asking all local residents to become more aware of what they can do to reduce their cancer risk.

In Victoria, the most common cancers are prostate, breast, bowel and skin.

Finding breast cancer early before any symptoms are noticed, and when treatment is more likely to be successful, gives women the best chance of survival. The latest statistics for cancer screening in reveal that 58 per cent of women in Wendouree electorate and 56 per cent of women in Buninyong electorate had a breast screen between 2015 and 2017.

For bowel cancer, early detection provides the best chance of a positive prognosis, and 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early. Everyone aged 50-74 should be screened every two years.

47 per cent of people in Wendouree electorate and 43 per cent of people in Buninyong electorate in the 50-74 age group have retuned the at home bowel cancer screening kit.

Ms Addison said everyone has the power to reduce the impact of cancer for themselves and their families.

“We know that a cancer diagnosis can be devastating not only for the person, but for friends and loved ones and that’s why the Andrews Government is committed to cancer prevention and early detection,” Ms Addison said.

Ms Settle said screening and early diagnosis is key to surviving many types of cancer.

“Your chance of reducing your cancer risk is in your hands. I encourage you and your family to prioritise cancer screening and take action to prevent cancer,” Ms Settle said.