25.09.12
Cancer death rates to fall by 17% by 2030
Death rates for cancer are set to drop by an average of 17% by 2030, new predictions state. Cancer Research UK reports that adjusting for age, 142 in every 100,000 people are predicted to die from cancer in 2030.
This is a fall from 170 in every 100,000 in 2010. The predicted reduction is largely due to better survival rates, earlier diagnosis and improved treatments.
Ovarian cancer will see the biggest fall in deaths, with rates expected to reduce by 42.6%. Breast cancer in women, bowel and prostate cancer are also predicted to see large reductions, with a fall of 28%, 23% and 16% respectively.
But death rates from some cancers are set to increase; oral cancers by 22% and liver cancer by 39%.
Professor Peter Sasieni, Cancer Research UK epidemiologist at Queen Mary, University of London, said: “Our latest estimations show that for many cancers, adjusting for age, death rates are set to fall dramatically in the coming decades. And what’s really encouraging is that the biggest cancer killers – lung, breast, bowel, and prostate – are part of this falling trend.
“Because old age is the biggest risk factor for cancer and more people are living longer, they have a greater chance of developing and, unfortunately, dying from the disease. But, overall, the proportion – or rate – of those who die from cancer is falling.”
Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “These new figures are encouraging and highlight the huge progress we’re making. Research across many areas is having real impact.”
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