Experts predict that by 2035 half a million a year will be diagnosed with cancer

HALF a million people will be diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK by 2035 – with unhealthy lifestyles helping to fuel the rise, experts say.

New predictions from Cancer Research UK suggest that, if current trends continue, 150,000 more people per year will be diagnosed, up from around 350,000 at present.

Women will account for 244,000 cases per year by 2035, while men will make up 270,000 cases.

Breast cancer is expected to be the most common cancer in women, while prostate cancer will be the most common in men.

Cancer Research UK said that while most of the rise is due to people living longer – and therefore they are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime – unhealthy lifestyles, such as excess drinking, obesity and smoking are also to blame.

Dr Rebecca Smittenaar, lead author of the new study published in the British Journal of Cancer and Cancer Research UK’s statistics manager said: “The number of people getting cancer in the UK will increase sharply in the next two decades. This is mostly the result of an ageing and growing population but, for women, lifestyle factors are playing an increasingly important role.

“And worryingly, recent research found that three-quarters of the population don’t know there’s a link between obesity and cancer even though it’s the second biggest preventable cause of the disease – currently linked to around 18,100 cases per year. If things carry on as they are, this is also set to rise.”

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “These numbers are shocking. We know four in 10 cancers in the UK could be prevented. Cutting smoking rates and tackling the rising obesity epidemic is key to avoiding more cancer cases. Quitting smoking and keeping a healthy weight isn’t always easy. All of us – including the Government – can do more to help individuals and families make healthy choices. ”

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, said: “There is no getting away from the fact that we’re seeing ever increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with cancer each year, and these numbers are quite alarming. It is vital that people know how to reduce their own risk of cancer as much as possible.”

Prof Johnson said the NHS needs to be planning now for increased demands for diagnosis, treatment and care for people with cancer.

“We have a serious shortage of specialists in important fields such as radiology, endoscopy and oncology,” he said. “It’s vital that the necessary staff and resources are available to ensure a high standard of care for patients across the UK.”

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