Experts have predicted that one in two people will develop a form of cancer at some point in their lives.
According to new research by Cancer Research UK, previous estimations that cancer will affect over one in three people were underestimated.
They also acknowledged though that due to medical advances and earlier detection, more people are now surviving cancer.
Contributing factors to the new statistics include the fact that we are now living longer and changes in lifestyle.
As a result to these changes, the risk is more likely for people born after 1960.
“Cancer is primarily a disease of old age, with more than 60 per cent of all cases diagnosed in people aged over 65,” said Professor Peter Sasieni, cancer specialist. “If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point.
“But there’s a lot we can do to make it less likely – like giving up smoking, being more active, drinking less alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.”
It was also noted that the risk varies in regards to age, diet, weight, genetics and lifestyle factors.
The increase in obesity rates is also attributed to the new statistics, along with the increase in sunbathing and the use of sunbeds.
