One person could be diagnosed with cancer every two minutes until 2040
Warning of 6.3 million cancer cases in the next 15 years
- Cancer charity coalition One Cancer Voice projects that 6.3 million cancer diagnoses could be made in England by 2040, representing a 14.2 per cent rise from the previous 15 years.
- Experts attribute this anticipated surge, which would see a diagnosis every two minutes, to an ageing population and lifestyle choices.
- One Cancer Voice is urging the government to implement immediate measures, including setting early diagnosis targets and strengthening cancer prevention policies, to address the impending crisis.
- The charities warn that this significant increase in cases will place immense pressure on already-strained NHS cancer services, despite improving survival rates.
- They have outlined six "tests" for the upcoming national cancer plan, including meeting waiting times, improving screening, addressing inequalities, and ensuring consistent funding to save lives.