Three Cancers Are On The Rise In The UK

Some good news: in the UK, cancer death rates have reached their lowest-ever levels on record, Cancer UK reported. They’re down 29% from their 1989 peak.

Cervical cancer is an especially notable example. There’s been a 75% decrease in death rates in the last 50 years, thanks in part to the HSV vaccine.

Reacting to that news, Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Centre, said, “Overall cancer survival has improved significantly over recent decades, which is extremely encouraging.

“However, we are also seeing concerning increases in certain cancers, and in some cases these are appearing more frequently in younger adults.”

Recent research found that 45% of bowel cancer cases are in under-65s. England has experienced a 3.6% yearly rise in early-onset bowel cancer, the highest in Europe.

Some scientists have noticed that younger people’s bowels might be more “stiff” than older people’s, which could increase their risk.

Dr Kubes added that envirionmental and lifestyle changes might have a role to play, too.

“Modern diets that are high in processed foods and low in fibre can influence gut health and long-term inflammation, which may increase cancer risk,” he said.

“At the same time, many people are spending more time sitting and less time being physically active than previous generations.”

In the UK, pancreatic cancer rates have risen by 20% since the ’90s. We’re projected to see 5% more cases between 2023-2025 and 2038-2040.

It’s still relatively rare, however – it’s the 10th most common cancer in the UK, and accounts for 3% of all new cancer cases.

“Symptoms often appear late, which makes early diagnosis challenging,” Dr Kubes explained.

“That is why awareness of persistent symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or ongoing digestive problems is so important.”

Pancreatic cancer can also make the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice).

Since the early ’90s, liver cancer incidence has increased by a remarkable 180% in the UK. This is slightly higher for men than it is for women.

Rates are expected to rise by 6% between 2023-2025 and 2038-2040.

Liver cancer is strongly linked to deprivation: rates among women are 78% higher in the most deprived areas than the least deprived ones, and for men, it’s 89%.

Dr Kubes added, “Conditions such as obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease have become more common, and these can significantly increase the risk of certain cancers.”

None of this is to say cancer outcomes have not improved – they have.

“Earlier diagnosis, more precise radiotherapy techniques and improved systemic treatments are helping many more patients live longer,” Dr Kubes said.

“But prevention and early detection remain some of the most powerful tools we have to reduce cancer risk in the future.”