Cancer diagnosis is now more common than getting married

SCOTS are more likely to develop cancer than get married, according to new research.

A study, commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support, found cancer diagnosis is one of the most common life-changing events in the average person’s life.

More than 31,000 new cases are recorded in Scotland each year – with about 360,000 across the UK.

The analysis revealed cancer diagnoses are as common as someone graduating from university, and more prevalent than a woman having her first baby.

Macmillan unveiled their findings in their recent report, The C-Word: How We React to Cancer Today, which precedes the launch of the Life with Cancer campaign aimed at quelling some of the fear around diagnosis.

Trisha Hatt, Macmillan’s strategic partnership manager in Scotland, said: “This research highlights that for many people, cancer will be a fact of life.

“Survival rates from the illness are increasing, and even those with incurable cancer often live for many years.

“This report is about highlighting what life with cancer really looks like for a lot of people – looking after their children, seeing friends and even going to work.

“Most people say they want to keep life as normal as possible after treatment.

“That’s why it’s vital they get the support they need to deal with the emotional, practical and financial problems cancer can cause.”

In 2015, there were 29,691 marriages registered, compared to 31,467 cancers, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, being diagnosed.

The figures also show there are almost 8,000 more new cases of cancer each year, when compared the number of women women giving birth to their first child.

It is the disease or condition people in Scotland most fear, with 41 per cent admitting so, ahead of Alzheimer’s at 28 per cent, stroke at six per cent, or heart disease at five per cent. In addition, for 13 per cent of people in Scotland, cancer is their biggest fear of all, ahead of losing a loved one, their own death or terrorism.

Analysis of the six most common cancers – including prostate, breast, head and neck, colorectal, liver and lung cancer – found the risk of death was anything from 28 to 98 per cent higher in deprived areas depending on the type.

Among the aims of the Life with Cancer campaign is, where possible, alleviating the anxiety associated with diagnosis, while highlighting the increasing level of support available.

The other key tenet is ensuring all those living with the condition can live normal lives.

Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Being told you have cancer changes your life, and it can leave people feeling as if they’ve been thrust into the unknown, bewildered and unprepared.

“But as more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer, it’s important we are all better informed about what to expect if we do one day receive this shocking news.

“Cancer is almost always life-changing, but it isn’t always life-ending. Life with cancer is still life – you’re still a dad, a sister, a grandparent, a friend. Macmillan has supported millions from the point of diagnosis, throughout their treatment and into the future. From our experience, we believe that living well with cancer begins at diagnosis.

“People should come away from those first appointments feeling informed about their choices and knowing what support is available.”

Most want to keep life as normal as possible