19.12.12
Half of men likely to get cancer during their lifetime by 2027
The risk of developing cancer is set to increase over the next 15 years, although the chances of survival have also improved, new data from Cancer Research UK suggests.
Men’s lifetime risk of developing cancer is set to reach one in two by 2027, with 50 out of 100 men likely to be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. In 2010, the figure was 44 out of every 100.
Women’s risk is set to increase from 40 to 44 out of every 100.
Age is the biggest risk factor for developing cancer, and as more people are living longer, the risk of cancer increases. The cancers set to increase most in the next 15 years include prostate, bowel and melanoma.
However, cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years, due to better detection techniques and improved treatment.
Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, 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.
“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.”
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