Cancer is one of the main contributors to reduced life expectancy in both males and females compared to England. If the death rate from cancer was the same as that for England:
- Males would be expected to live 0.53 years longer;
- and females 0.25 years longer (Life expectancy segment tool).
Over half of all cancers could be prevented by changes to lifestyle (like diet, alcohol intake, obesity). Smoking is the single largest risk factor for cancer that can be prevented.
The local picture
All statistics are taken from Public Health England cancer profiles.
Over 1,100 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in Calderdale residents. Around 550 residents die each year from cancer.
During 2013/14 the incidence of cancer was 521 per 100,000. This is similar to the England rate of 515 per 100,000. The prevalence was 2.5%, which is similar to the England figure (2.4%). Both incidence and prevalence have increased since 2009/10.
The premature mortality rate from cancer is no longer greatly higher than that for England (145.3 per 100,000 compared to 138.8 per 100,000).
Mortality rate from cancer in persons aged under 75
Cancer incidence (2011 to 2013) and mortality (2012 to 2014) in males
Cancer incidence (2011 to 2013) and mortality (2012 to 2014) in females
Inequalities
Nationally, it has been found that cancer incidence and mortality is higher in:
- Males than in females.
- White and black males than Asian males (Cancer Research UK).
- White females than black or Asian females (Cancer Research UK).
- More deprived areas (Cancer Research UK).
Current provision
Action on cancer reflects the strategic approach to cancer commissioning for CCGs, in the short and medium terms.
This takes into account national, regional and local priorities.
User views
Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust undertook a survey. This gave detailed information on patients views of their care at the Trust.
For more about this, visit: The national cancer patient experience survey 2014.
Unmet needs
- 69.7% of eligible women were screened for breast cancer in the last three years. This was much lower than England (72.5%).
- 77.8% of women eligible for cervical screening, in the last 3.5 to 5.5 years attended. This was much higher than England.
- 60.9% of those eligible were screened for bowel cancer in the last two and a half years. This was much higher than England.
Projected future need
Based on current trends, the incidence of and deaths from cancer are expected to be similar in five years' time.
However, a growing population means that the actual numbers with and dying from cancer are likely to increase.
Key considerations linked to the known evidence base (what works?)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced guidance for all aspects of cancer prevention and treatment.
Prevention
Nearly half of all cancers can be prevented:
- Reduce smoking prevalence (see: smoking section).
- Reduce alcohol consumption (see: substance misuse section).
- Improve diet and reduce obesity (see: obesity section);
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer.
Increased awareness and early presentation
- Early diagnosis.
- Breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening.