Cancer more likely in Rochdale

Rochdale has been identified as one of the most deprived areas in a report linking cancer to affluence.

The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) suggested that 14,000 cancer cases could be prevented every year if everybody in the country was a rich as the richest 20%.

Chris Carrigan, head of the NCIN, said: “People are generally more likely to smoke or be obese in the most deprived areas. In addition to the higher rates, lower awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer – leading to later diagnosis – may further increase poorer people’s risk of dying from the disease.”

It was also found that those from poorer backgrounds were less likely to attend cancer screening programmes.

Other North West areas included on the list were Bolton and Salford.