UK cancer rates increase among middle-aged

Middle-aged people in the UK have seen a sharp rise in the prevalence of cancer during the last three decades, according to new research.

Data from Cancer Research UK have showed that 61,000 people aged between 40 and 59 years old were diagnosed with the condition in 2008, compared to around 44,000 in 1979.

This represents a jump of nearly 20 percent, with the rise shown to be particularly pronounced among middle-aged women, while prostate and breast cancer were identified as having seen the greatest increases in prevalence.

Cancer Research UK noted that survival rates have also doubled since the 1970s, but nevertheless suggested that more needs to be done to combat cancer among this age group.

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "We must redouble our efforts to ensure that our research continues to discover new techniques to improve and refine diagnosis and treatment so that cancer survival becomes the norm for patients."

Last week, the organisation announced the launch of two new research projects that will scan oesophageal and prostate cancer genes to identify the genetic faults associated with the conditions.