Every year in Australia, millions of years of healthy life are lost because of injury, illness or premature deaths. This loss of healthy life is called the ‘burden of disease’. Information on burden of disease and injuries is important for monitoring population health and provides an evidence base to inform health policy and service planning.

The Australian Burden of Disease Study 2022 includes national estimates for 220 diseases and injuries.

Findings from this report:
  • In 2022, Australians experienced more burden from living with illness (52% of total burden) than premature death (48%)

  • In 2022, cancers were the group of diseases causing the most burden (17%)

  • The burden from COVID-19 in 2022 was predominantly fatal (73%)

  • Coronary heart disease, dementia, back pain, COPD, and anxiety disorders were the top 5 diseases causing burden in 2022