‘One in two men will develop cancer by 2027’

A new awareness and fundraising campaign is set to be launched across the East of England by Cancer Research UK, as new figures show that the lifetime risk of developing cancer is increasing.

Latest statistics from the charity predict that a man’s lifetime risk of developing the disease is set to reach one in two in the UK by 2027.

This means that within 15 years 50 men out of every 100 are likely to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, as opposed to 44 out of every 100 in 2010.

Women’s lifetime cancer risk is also increasing and is predicted to rise from 40 to 44 out of every 100 women by 2027.

Although the number of cancer cases is set increase steeply - largely due to the fact that people are living longer and cancer is predominantly a disease of old age - the good news is that, thanks to research, survival rates have doubled in the past 40 years and more people in the East of England are now beating the disease than ever before.

The prediction for the future comes as Cancer Research UK prepares to launch its new campaign with a hard-hitting TV advert on Boxing Day.

It features one of the charity’s dedicated scientists and demonstrates the power of research in beating cancer. The message is clear that research is cancer’s enemy - but more money is needed to help Cancer Research UK beat cancer sooner.

Helen Johnstone of Cancer Research UK said: “Research is driving up survival rates, 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.

“That’s why we’re calling on people to back our new campaign and help us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. It’s not just technology or knowledge that we need to win our fight against cancer – it’s funding.”