New figures show that the number of cancer cases in Ireland continues to rise. However, deaths from cancer are increasing at a much slower rate, suggesting an improvement in survival rates for patients.
The National Cancer Registry compiles the annual cancer statistics. Its latest report, published today, reveals that 7,454 people died of cancer in 1999. 1,500 of those deaths, representing one sixth of the total figure, were caused by lung cancer.
Cancer cases increased by 300 on the previous year. Cancer of the lung and breast in women is increasing by about 3%, while lymphoma and cancer of the prostate is increasing by 5% each year in men.
Cancer of the large bowel is the second commonest cause of death from cancer in Irish men. The Registry is concerned that the risk is not changing for men, but is declining for women.
Men are twice as likely to die of bowel cancer than women. Experts put this down to a diet high in fat. Irish men are at the higher end of the obesity scale compared to their European counterparts.
But while cancer is a major cause of premature death, the numbers dying is increasing at a much slower rate. This suggests that survival rates are improving, with earlier detection and more effective treatment.
