Cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by nearly a third since the late 1980s, from around 355 deaths per 100,000 people in 1989 to about 247 today, according to Cancer Research UK. In the past decade alone, mortality has dropped by 11%, with significant declines in stomach (down 34%), lung (22%) and ovarian (19%) cancers.
However, Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Center, warns that these encouraging trends mask worrying shifts. He notes concerning increases in certain cancers, particularly among younger adults, driven by lifestyle, environmental factors and longer life expectancy.
Bowel cancer diagnoses are rising in people under 50, a disease historically more common in older adults. Dr Kubes points to diet, obesity and sedentary lifestyles as likely contributors. Bowel Cancer UK reports nearly 44,000 new cases annually in the UK, with over 2,600 in under-50s. Early diagnosis dramatically improves survival, but late detection reduces chances significantly.
Liver and pancreatic cancers are also increasing across the population. Dr Kubes links these rises to growing rates of obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect early due to vague symptoms like unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain. Liver cancer is now the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Despite these trends, Dr Kubes emphasises that progress in treatment is significant, with earlier diagnosis, precise radiotherapy and improved systemic therapies helping more patients. He stresses: 'Prevention and early detection remain some of the most powerful tools we have to reduce cancer risk in the future.'
