NI cancer figures reveal 8,500-a-year affected

A new report has revealed that almost 40,000 people have been diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland during the last nine years.

Compiled by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, the report revealed that a total of 8,500 cancers have been detected each year.

The report also revealed that the number of Northern Ireland men dying from cancer continues to fall.

A reduction in smoking has led to the fall of lung cancer deaths in men by 11 per year since 1993, while there has also been a significant reduction in deaths from colon and stomach cancer in men.

However, the report paints a different picture for women, with an increase in both uterus and breast cancer. In the case of breast cancer there has been an increase of 12 cases per year since 1993, although death rates have fallen by eight per year.

This figures includes the fact that since 1993 there have been 41 fewer cancer cases and 29 fewer cancer deaths each year in men.

Commenting on the report, the director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Dr Anna Gavin, said: "This report represents a major effort by the Cancer Registry team and provides useful information that will be of interest to patients and of value to clinicians."

Leading local charity, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) welcomed today’s report.

Chief Executive, Arlene Spiers said: “Prior to 1994 complete information on cancer incidence and deaths here was not available. With the sterling work of Dr. Anna Gavin and her team at the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry we now have a world-class service for local people."

(MB)