Residents in certain coastal regions of the UK are found to have a higher likelihood of cancer compared to other areas, as indicated by recent maps pinpointing neighborhoods with elevated cancer rates.
Around 3.5 million individuals in the United Kingdom are either living with cancer or in remission, with approximately 400,000 new diagnoses annually. Health data sourced from the House of Commons Library has identified specific regions in England and Wales with the highest concentration of cancer cases since 2003.
Notably, coastal and rural areas tend to have a higher population of cancer survivors, with areas such as New Forest in the South East and East Devon in the South West dominating the list of regions with the highest cancer rates. The prevalence of cancer in these areas can be attributed to the higher proportion of elderly residents, given that age is a significant risk factor for cancer.
Six out of the top ten neighborhoods with the highest cancer rates are situated in New Forest, known historically for having elevated melanoma rates due to the older demographics and active lifestyles of its inhabitants who frequently engage in outdoor activities amidst lush surroundings and higher exposure to UV light.
In locales like New Milton West in New Forest and Sidmouth Sidford in East Devon, approximately 8.44% and 8.40% of residents, respectively, are either battling cancer or in remission. These areas have an older population compared to a significant portion of neighborhoods in England and Wales, with New Milton West having an average age of 44 and a quarter of the population aged 65 or older (24%), while Sidmouth Sidford has an average age of 50 and over a third of residents being seniors (35%).
Despite not being the oldest residential areas, both regions exhibit older demographics compared to at least 70% of neighborhoods in England and Wales. Conversely, Leeds City Centre boasts the lowest proportion of cancer cases nationwide, with only 0.5% of the population affected, likely due to the young average age of 26 and less than 1% of residents aged 65 and above.
The data pertains to middle super output area neighborhoods comprising between 2,000 to 6,000 households or roughly 5,000 to 15,000 individuals. The figures represent patients listed in GP practice registers from the previous year who received a cancer diagnosis since 2003, aligning with the NHS criteria for recording cancer prevalence.
Excluded from the data are individuals who passed away from cancer post-2003. Cancer Research UK’s Senior Health Policy Manager, Matt Sample, emphasizes the variation in cancer prevalence across the UK due to factors such as the disease’s association with older age and the demographic differences among regions.
Sample underscores the importance of inclusive efforts in cancer treatment and prevention, highlighting the necessity for the UK Government’s National Cancer Plan for England to address early diagnosis, meeting wait targets, and enhancing treatment practices to ensure comprehensive cancer care tailored to local requirements.
Neighborhoods with Highest Cancer Rates:
New Milton West (New Forest) – 8.44%
Sidmouth Sidford (East Devon) – 8.4%
Milford & Lymington South (New Forest) – 8.2%
Sidmouth Town (East Devon) – 8.