A study has claimed that four in 10 Britons will get cancer at some point in their lives.
The Macmillan Cancer Support research also showed that cancer rates are rising, with 42% of Britons having a cancer diagnosis by the time they die, against around 35% 10 years ago.
Furthermore the research – using data from 2008 – found that the disease will eventually claim the lives of 64% of people who are diagnosed with it.
Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, suggested that the figures underline the challenge currently facing the health service.
He added: “It is really alarming that the number of people who will get cancer is now well past one in three, and that there are so many more people with cancer today than even 10 years ago.
“The NHS really needs to recognise cancer’s long-term impact on people’s lives, to plan better services and to develop more personalised care.
“We have a massive challenge ahead if we are to keep up with the relentless toll cancer takes on people’s health, and the NHS must rise to it.”
Copyright © Press Association 2011
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