The following facts were taken from Understanding Cancer in Nova Scotia, a recent analysis of Nova Scotia Cancer Registry data for the period 2000 to 2004, as well as some trends examined from 1972 to 2004.

• More than 25,000 people were diagnosed with invasive cancer in the five-year period 2000-2004.  Cancer incidence was 9% higher in males (13,265 people) than females (11,809 people).
• Prostate, lung and colorectal cancers accounted for 59% of all cancer cases recorded for males between 2000 and 2004.
• Breast, colorectal and lung cancers accounted for 57% of all cancer recorded between 2000 and 2004.
• More than half of all deaths recorded in the province can be attributed to the four most commonly occurring cancer types (breast, prostate, lung and colorectal).
• Among males, prostate is the most commonly occurring type of cancer, affecting nearly 700 men annually in the province.
• Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among females in Nova Scotia, affecting nearly 650 women annually.

The following tables and figures from Understanding Cancer in Nova Scotia provide more information about the burden of cancer in Nova Scotia.  For greater detail regarding cancer incidence, mortality, survival, prevalence and projections in Nova Scotia, please refer to the report.

Understanding Cancer In Nova Scotia Report 

Table 1: Incidence counts and rates of invasive cancer among males, Nova Scotia 2000-2004.

Table 2: Incidence counts and rates of invasive cancer among females, Nova Scotia 2000-2004.

Table 4: Incidence counts and rates of invasive cancer among males, by county, Nova Scotia 2000-2004. 

Table 5: Incidence counts and rates of invasive cancer among females, by county, Nova Scotia 2000-2004. 

Figure 1: Percent distribution of new cases (A) and deaths (B), invasive cancer, males, Nova Scotia 2000-2004. 

Figure 2: Percent distribution of new cases (A) and deaths (B), invasive cancer, females, Nova Scotia 2000-2004. 

Figure 3: Average annual age-specific incidence rate, all cancers combined, Nova Scotia 2000-2004.

Figure 4: Average annual age-specific incidence rate, common cancers, males, Nova Scotia 2000-2004. 

Figure 5: Average annual age-specific incidence rate, common cancers, females, Nova Scotia 2000-2004.