An epidemiological study was conducted, using annual cancer mortality data over the period 1907 to 1998, to explore change in Australian cancer mortality. A 3-year moving average mortality was calculated to minimise the annual fluctuations over the study period. The results suggested that overall cancer mortality rose slightly over the past century, with a small decrease in more recent years. The male and female cancer mortality rates diverged over time. Younger age groups had low and stable death rates, 35-59 years age groups demonstrated decreased rates, and older age groups had increased rates over the study period. Modifiable lifestyle factors and other possible reasons for the changes were explored.