Good news about Cancer

Submitted by JMB on Fri 10/Jul/2009

Via Cancer Research UK:

The death toll from three of the UK’s most common cancers has dropped to its lowest level for almost 40 years* – according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK today.

Mortality rates for breast, bowel, and male lung cancer are at their lowest since 1971 even though more than 100,000 [British people are now diagnosed with these kinds of cancers every year.

Cancer is not an easy diagnosis to receive, but fortunately it is a relatively uncommon diagnosis. This graph from Cancer Research UK demonstrates (the lines) that cancer has a very low incidence; even more so if you are under 65.

However, one point to be aware of is that although the three cancers listed above – Breast, Colorectal and Lung – are the most common types seen in woman, the most common type in men is Prostate cancer. In the most recent year for which full statistics are available 30,024 cases of Prostate cancer were registered; a quarter of which were deemed to be malignant. The next most common cancers amongst men are Lung (18,002 14.8% malignant) and Colorectal (16,475, 14.6% malignant).

But prostate cancer research receives only 25% of the funding spent on research into breast cancer in women. There is a diagnostic test available to screen for prostate cancer but currently only 8% of men request this potentially life-saving test.

To help raise much needed funds for research and prostate cancer treatment at the Bristol Urological Institute, the Rotary Club of Bristol organise an annual sponsored walk, jog or run for the whole family around Bristol Downs. The next Run for the Future will take place on Sunday 20th September 2009. To register, click here or if you would like more information, get in touch with the Rotary team by clicking here.

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