Shocking new figures released on World Cancer Day

A child born today has a 50/50 chance of developing cancer at some point in his or her lifetime according to new research released today.

Cancer Research UK unveiled the shocking statistic to coincide with World Cancer Day.

The charity revealed that because people are living longer and cancer is primarily a disease of old age, more people will continue to be diagnosed in future. It now estimates 50% of children born from now on will be given the news at some point in their life.

However, the charity also has positive news, because survival rates are increasing.

To help fight the disease, which currently effects around 30,200 people in Scotland every year, the charity is calling for every man, woman and child to show a symbolic sign of support and help it raise funds to carry out vital research.

Cancer is primarily a disease of old age – If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point

It is asking people to buy a Unity band – on sale now in a range of colours from all Cancer Research UK shops – for a suggested donation of £2.

The wristband is made up of two parts which form a knot to represent strength in unity.

Researchers from Cancer Research UK, which receives no government funding, have already played a key role in supporting landmark advances in cancer treatment including the drugs tamoxifen for breast cancer and cisplatin for testicular cancer.

Survival has doubled over the last 40 years and around half of patients now survive the disease for more than 10 years. But as more people benefit from improved healthcare and longer life expectancy, the number of cancer cases is expected to rise.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “Cancer is primarily a disease of old age, with more than 60% of all cases diagnosed in people aged over 65. If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point.

“Research is driving up cancer survival but the figures released today show that significant challenges lie ahead. With more of us being diagnosed with cancer in future, there’s still so much more to do. That’s why we’re calling on people across Scotland to get a Unity Band or make a small donation to Cancer Research UK on World Cancer Day.”

Supporters can also make a £3 donation to Cancer Research UK by texting UNITE to 70200.

For more information visit cruk.org/worldcancerday or search #WeWillUnite