The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare prepared report has revealed that half of Australians who live to 85 will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.

But survival rates continue to improve, with the report showing the death rate from cancer fell from 199 deaths per 100,000 people in 1968 top 167 deaths per 100,000 people in 2012.

According to Cancer Council Victoria, nearly 30,000 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer last year.

However, the survival rate in the past decade has improved from 62 per cent to 67 per cent.

In the City of Greater Bendigo during the period 2011-2013, there were on average 669 new cancers diagnosed each year.

Nearly 55 per cent of cancers were diagnosed in males and 73 per cent in persons aged over 60.

A total of 689 people died from cancer-related causes, with 46 per cent aged between 60 and 79 (317 deaths) and 39.9 per cent aged 80 or above (275).

Prostate cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed in men, with 328 new cases during the three-year period.

The most common form of cancer detected in women is  breast cancer, with 256 diagnoses.

More Bendigo people die from lung cancer than other cancer, with 137 deaths recorded, compared with bowel (91), pancreas (49), prostate (43) and breast (42).

In neighbouring Loddon Shire, there were an average 67 new cancers diagnosed each year in 2011-2013, with prostate (36),  bowel (32), lung (26) and breast (23) for almost 60 per cent of the diagnoses.

Seventy-nine people died from cancer, with lung cancer (18) the leading cause ahead of bowel (14) and prostate (8).

Cancer Council Victoria services support director Nicola Quin said improved detection for cancers such as breast, bowel, prostate and cervical cancer and advances in medicines had attributed to the fall in death rates.

"Bowel cancer can have a 90 per cent survival rate if detected early, but too often this is not the case and it continues to be one of Australia’s most common cancers," Ms Quin said.

“Cancer Council Victoria encourages people to be aware of any changes in their body and to speak to their doctor if they have concerns.

"This is one of the ways people can help reduce their risk of cancer, along with quitting smoking, being SunSmart, exercising, eating well, reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight.

“With more people surviving cancer it’s important that we grow our services to support them, their families and friends from diagnosis, treatment and beyond.”

Cancer Council Victoria offers a number of services, including an information and support line, which is staffed by qualified cancer nurses.

For assistance call 131 120.