UK cancer death rates ‘set to decline by 2030’

Cancer fatality rates are set to experience a double-digit decline over the next two decades, according to a Cancer Research UK report.

The organisation has predicted that the number of people dying from cancer in the UK will fall from 170 in every 100,000 in 2010 to 142 in 100,000 by 2030, representing a drop of 16.8 percent.

An improvement in survival rates is likely to take place due to earlier diagnoses and enhanced therapy options, while a drop in smoking-related cancer deaths will also contribute to this trend.

Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "These new figures are encouraging and highlight the huge progress we're making. Research across many areas is having real impact."

Ovarian cancer will see the largest drop in mortality rates at 42.6 percent, with breast, bowel and prostate cancer deaths also set to see major reductions, but conversely the risk of oral and liver cancer fatalities may rise.

These statistics are being released as Cancer Research UK joins forces with Channel 4 to launch Stand Up To Cancer, a high-profile televised fundraising initiative, in October 2012.