Stark rise in cancer diagnosis in 20 years

Between 2011 and 2013 there were 603 cases diagnosed out of every 100,000 people living in Britain - this compares to 540 per 100,000 people between 1993 and 1995.

In the last decade alone, incidence rates in Yorkshire and the Humber, have increased 5 per cent - from 596 per 100,000 people in 2001-2003 to 628 per 100,000 people in 2011-2013.

Every year, 29,500 people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire and the Humber - the equivalent of 81 a day.

But the charity said that even though the chances of getting cancer have increased, the chances of surviving has increased too. Earlier diagnosis, screening programmes, better tests and treatments have all led to the chances of surviving cancer doubling over the last 40 years.

“People are living longer so more people are getting cancer,” said Nick Ormiston-Smith, Cancer Research UK’s head of statistical information. “But the good news is more people are surviving their cancer.”