Number of cancer cases for UK men to rise by 50% in 2027, says report

Research suggests that half of UK’s male population will be likely to get cancer in 2027.

13:47 20 December 2012

In a disturbing report, Cancer Research UK has predicted that by 2027, half of men in the UK will most likely be diagnosed with cancer. Using data from Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, and the Office of National Statistics, it was predicted that the risk of men getting cancer will increase by 50per cent from 44per cent within the next 15 years.

Women’s risk is also expected to increase by 4per cent.

It was also revealed that prostate cancer, bowel, and melanoma, or skin cancer, are most likely the types of cancer that will affect the male population by 2027.

However, the charity offer hope along with their predictions saying that due to improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, fewer people are likely to die of cancer. In fact, cancer survival rates have doubled over the past 40 years.
Cancer Research UK's Chief Executive Doctor Harpal Kumar said: “These figures provide a glimpse into the future.

 

“On the plus side, our life expectancy is increasing but this also means more of us are likely to be diagnosed with cancer.

 

“It's only through research that we will be able to beat cancer. We need to do more work to understand what drives cancer and how we can prevent it, as well as developing new treatments to reduce the number of people who will die from it,” he said.

 

“Understanding the biology of cancer is rather like completing a complex jigsaw puzzle. Many pieces have already fallen into place but we need more research before we can complete the picture.

 

“And thanks to the generosity of the public, our world-class scientists are playing a leading role in beating this devastating disease.”