NHS warned over future spike in cancer cases

The NHS has been urged to start preparing for a projected 45 per cent rise in the number of new cancer cases over the next 20 years.

According to data from Cancer Research UK, cases are expected to increase from approximately 298,000 in 2007 to around 432,000 by 2030.

The figures were published in the British Journal of Cancer and also warned that male cancer cases will see the biggest jump, rising by 55 per cent to exceed 23,000.

Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said the health service could experience a "perfect storm" if cancer diagnoses continue to grow at their current rate.

"The main reason for the rising number of cases is simply that people are living longer – and the greatest risk factor for cancer is age," he explained.

However, the research also showed that cancer survival rates in the UK have doubled over the last 40 years.

It was announced earlier this week that the NHS breast cancer screening programme is set to be reviewed.

Some scientists have suggested the current system does more harm than good by causing women to undergo unnecessary treatment that could have damaging side effects.