North West cancer deaths 'higher'

The report is by the North West Cancer Intelligence Service

More than 1,300 more people die each year from cancer in the North West of England than elsewhere in the country, according to a new report.

The findings have been published in a report by the North West Cancer Intelligence Service at the Christie Hospital in Withington, Manchester.

The report found deaths are 8.5% higher for men and 6.7% higher for women than in the rest of England and Wales.

If the rate were the same, 1,334 fewer people would die, the study said.

The report was produced to give health experts a clearer picture of cancer death rates for their population compared with the national average.

Experts from Christie's said the report highlights the link between cancer and social deprivation.

It really does highlight the strong relationship between high death rates and deprivation Dr Ruth Hussey

Liverpool has the highest number of "excess deaths" with 355, Manchester has 190, Salford has 132, yet in central and eastern Cheshire there are 50 fewer than would be expected.

Dr Tony Moran, director of intelligence and research at the North West Cancer Intelligence Service, said: "Our death rates are high, not because of the standard of treatment, but because people in the North West are at a higher risk of developing cancer.

"This in turn is related to the high levels of deprivation and of smoking in this region, both of which increase the risk of cancer."

Dr Ruth Hussey, regional director of public health for NHS North West, said: "This is a very important report for our region as it really does highlight the strong relationship between high death rates and deprivation, especially around smoking.

"It is key data which will play a major part in making sure we deliver appropriate and effective health promotion and cancer services over the next few years."