Shocking rates of cancer locally

The cancer incidence rate in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is 444.2 per 100,000, far higher than the English average of 398.1 per 100,000.

The death rate (mortality) from cancer in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is 189.4 per 100,000, much higher than the English average (172.0 per 100,000).

The rate of people under 75 dying (premature death) of cancer is 123.7 per 100,000, significantly higher than the English average of 110.1 per 100,000.

The figures come from Cancer Research UK, which has launched a new tool that allows people to compare cancer statistics in their area with those in the rest of the country.

• Breast cancer: 129.6 per 100,000, similar to the English average of 125.7 per 100,000.
• Bowel cancer: 44.7 per 100,000, similar to the English average of 46.5 per 100,000.
• Prostate cancer: 120.0 per 100,000, higher than the English average of 105.8 per 100,000.
• Cervical cancer: 8.2 per 100,000, similar to the English average of 8.8 per 100,000.
• Lung cancer: 66.3 per 100,000, far higher than the English average of 47.7 per 100,000.

The percentage of people smoking in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is 23.6%, higher than the English average of 20%. Approximately 540 children in the area are regular smokers. Smoking causes more than 8 out of 10 lung cancers (86%).

Cancer Research UK hopes the local data will help doctors and politicians tackle the specific problems in their patch.

Rochdale Council is responsible for public health in this area.

Cancer Research UK says: 'Given the high incidence rates, more could be done to ensure that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.'

More than four in ten cases of cancer could be prevented by lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, keeping a healthy body weight, cutting back on alcohol, eating a healthy, balanced diet, keeping active and staying safe in the sun.

Screening remains one of the best ways to spot cancer and prevent it developing, however, screening rates in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are lower than the English average:

• Cervical screening in women aged 25-49 is 72.6%, lower than the English average of 73.5%.
• Cervical screening in women aged 50-64 is 76.9%, lower than the English average of 77.8%.
• Breast screening in women aged 53-70 is 71.8%, lower than the English average of 77.2%.
• Bowel screening in people aged 60-69 is 53.0%, lower than the English average of 57.4%.

Sara Hiom, director of patient engagement and early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, said: "In the UK we are privileged to have access to valuable information about cancer diagnosis and treatments for different parts of the country.

"We've created this website because we hope that it will allow policymakers and healthcare professionals to understand what's going on in their area and support local insight and decision-making."