Cancer diagnosis expected every 2 minutes until 2040

More than 6 million people in England could be diagnosed with cancer by 2040, according to a group of 60 cancer charities.

- HARRIETTE BOUCHER

Experts have said the new figures, which would see someone diagnosed every two minutes, are the result of lifestyle choices and an ageing population. Cancer charity coalition One Cancer Voice is urging the government to take immediate action, including setting early diagnosis targets and implementing stronger cancer prevention policies.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK and One Cancer Voice representative, said: “Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime - everyone will be impacted by the disease, whether they receive a diagnosis themselves or have a friend, family member or loved one who does.”

There have been 5.5 million cancer diagnoses in England over the past 15 years, and the research predicts a 14.2 per cent rise in cases over the next 15 years, with around 6.3 million expected by 2040. The study also suggests that common cancer diagnoses will reach a record high in the next 15 years.

Professor Pat Price, leading oncologist and co-founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said: "The real drivers are an ageing population and lifestyle factors fuelling a huge rise in cancer cases in areas across the country.