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Cancer

Overview

Cancer is becoming the most common cause of death in the UK. 1 More than one third of people in the UK will develop cancer at some time in their life. At least half of those affected will die as a result of their cancer.

Death rates from cancer in the UK are higher than in other developed countries, and the survival data from cancer has been poor 2 . Access to treatment, and outcomes vary between different regions of the UK. This has been systematically addressed in Government policies since 1995. 3 4

The incidence of cancer varies between country, region, and class suggesting that many cancers, possibly 80 percent, could be preventable. 5

Smoking is a key risk factors for many cancers.

Genetic factors also contribute to the risk of developing cancer This includes both specific single gene mutations and more complex combinations. 6 There are additional interactions between genetic and environmental risks 7 It is possible to identify individuals who are at higher risk of cancer based on their family history, genetic factors and/or behavioural factors.

References

  1. Quinn MJ, Babb PJ, Brock A, Kirby L, Jones J. Cancer Trends in England and Wales 1950-1999. Studies on Medical and Population Subjects No. 66. London: The Stationery Office, 2001.
  2. Coleman MP, Gatta G, Verdecchia A, Esteve J, Sant M, Storm H, Allemani C, Ciccolallo L, Santaquilani M, Berrino F; EUROCARE Working Group. EUROCARE-3 summary: cancer survival in Europe at the end of the 20th century. Ann Oncol. 2003;14 Suppl 5:v128-49.
  3. Department of Health (1995) A policy framework for commissioning cancer services: a report by the expert advisory group on cancer to the chief medical officers of England and Wales. London: Department of Health.
  4. Department of Health (2000) The NHS cancer plan. London: Department of Health.
  5. Doll R, Peto R. The causes of cancer: quantitative estimates of avoidable risks of cancer in the United States today. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1981 Jun;66(6):1191-308. Review
  6. Baker, M. R. (2002). Modernising cancer services. Abingdon, Oxon, U.K., Radcliffe Medical Press.
  7. Balmain A, Gray J, Ponder B. The genetics and genomics of cancer. Nat Genet. 2003 Mar;33 Suppl:238-44. Review.