Tayside has higher rate of cancer diagnoses

MORE Taysiders are being diagnosed with cancer than 25 years ago, new health data shows.

Figures published by NHS Scotland show 2,658 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2016 – equivalent to one in every 156 people in the region.

It represents a rise of about 30% from 1992, when just one in every 207 people were given a diagnosis.

While this rise is based on “crude” statistics, age-adjusted data – said to be more representative of a local population – found the likelihood of a diagnosis has risen by 7% in the same period.

An ageing population is thought to be behind the majority of new cancer diagnoses.

Analysis of the figures for Scotland conducted by the NHS found that 75% of all cancer diagnoses in 2016 were in people aged 60 or over. However, a number of other factors played a part, including deprivation.

And while there are not always clear indicators to explain why cancer has appeared, it has been suggested that nearly four in 10 diagnoses could potentially have been avoided.

The NHS research found that around 40% of diagnoses were linked with poor lifestyle choices.

The research noted: “Smoking, being overweight and some occupational risk factors are among the largest cancer risks to the Scottish population.

“The effects of sunburn, alcohol consumption and a diet that is high in meat and low in fruit and vegetables are also apparent in these cancer data.”

However, the charity Cancer Research UK also believes cutting obesity has a large party to play in preventing future generations from being diagnosed with the illness.

Gregor McNie, head of external affairs in Scotland, said a 21% rise in liver cancer had been recorded in the last decade – and three in 10 liver cancer diagnoses were linked to obesity.

Mr McNie added: “It’s clear urgent action is needed to reduce the number of obesity-related cancers that are devastating so many families in Scotland.”

Dr Tom Bird, a scientist at the CRUK Beatson Institute, said obesity, and the medical complications that are associated with it, were “preventable and reversible”.

He added: “A major factor driving this rise in cancer cases is fat within the liver related to obesity.”