You've got a 50 - 50 chance of getting cancer in the North East.
Half of people in the North East will develop cancer at some point in their lives
New figures from Cancer Research UK show that the survival rate for the disease has improved but more people are being diagnosed.
The charity are putting it down to a growing and ageing population. They say as more people benefit from improved healthcare and longer life expectancy, the number of cancer cases is expected to rise.
The research also found that cancer survival has doubled over the last 40 years and around half of patients now survive the disease for more than 10 years.
However, there’s now an urgent need to boost public health and NHS cancer services to combat demands for better diagnostics, treatments and earlier diagnosis.
Currently, in the North East, around 14,700 people receive the devastating news that they have cancer every year.
Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East said:
“Cancer is primarily a disease of old age, with more than 60 per cent of all cases diagnosed in people aged over 65. If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point. But there’s a lot individuals can do to make it less likely – like giving up smoking, being more active, drinking less alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.
“Research is driving up cancer survival but the figures released today show that significant challenges lie ahead. With more of us being diagnosed with cancer in future, there’s still so much more to do.”
For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, visit: www.cancerresearchuk.org
For free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends please contact Maggies Centre based in Newcastle:
Or give them a call: 0191 233 6600