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Fewer Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in the past year because the COVID-19 pandemic stopped people from getting screened.
The latest Cancer in Victoria report, released on Thursday, found a 4.3 per cent decline in 2021 or 1485 fewer cases.
It follows from a seven per cent decline in cancer diagnoses, or about 2420 fewer cases, in 2020.
"It is difficult to determine the pandemic's true impact on cancer in Victoria," Victorian Cancer Registry Director Professor Sue Evans said.
"But at the end of 2021 there were more than 3800 fewer cancer diagnoses than expected, meaning that these Victorians are most likely yet to present for diagnosis."
Melanoma, bowel, breast, prostate and blood cancers saw the greatest decline in 2021, with the five cancers accounting for 76 per cent of missed diagnoses over the past two years.
But those cancers are still among the most prevalent in Victoria, with prostate (17 per cent) and breast (13 per cent) the most common diagnoses in 2021.
Thirty-two people die from cancer every day in the state, while Aboriginal Victorians are twice as likely to be diagnosed and three times more likely to die from cancer.
But more people are surviving their cancer diagnosis, with the five-year survival rate increasing by 22 per cent over the past 20 years.
An estimated 342,045 Victorians alive today have had a cancer diagnosis in the past four decades.
"We know that one third of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthier diet, being more active, reducing alcohol consumption and using sun protection," Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said.
"Early detection and treatment are the most important tools in improving survival following a cancer diagnosis.
"We need to continue to focus on this and our work in prevention to reduce the impact of cancer for all Victorians."
