Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester appears to have the lowest overall cancer incidence rates in the North West according to our 2022 regional report, and the lowest numbers of cancers recorded.
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- Greater Manchester has a 28% higher incidence rate liver cancer than the rest of England
- The rate of lung, trachea and bronchus cancers in Greater Manchester is also concerning, at 24% higher than the national average
- Head and neck cancers are of particular concern for the region, too, with Greater Manchester seeing rates 16% higher than the rest of England
- Ovarian cancer incidence is 7% higher in Greater Manchester than the national average
- Rates of stomach cancer are also notably higher in Greater Manchester, at 6% higher than England’s average
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Although the county faces a high disease burden for many key cancers, Greater Manchester has the lowest cancer incidence rate in the North West.
With the youngest population in the region, 73% of people living in Greater Manchester are under 54, a factor which likely influences the disease profile of the population.
Deprivation levels across Greater Manchester paint a mixed picture. More affluent areas such as Trafford and Tameside sit alongside deprived communities in Manchester's inner-city, one of the country's poorest areas.
Around 28% of the population in Greater Manchester work in routine or manual roles. In comparison, 27% have managerial, administrative, or professional occupations.
Students comprise 10% of the population, while 7% of people in the area are long-term unemployed or have never worked.
With an overall incidence rate lower than its neighbours, Greater Manchester has the lowest rates in the region for testicular cancer. It is the only North West county to under-index on incidences of breast cancer.
However, the county still records lung, trachea and bronchus cancer rates at 24% higher than the national average.
Liver cancer rates in Greater Manchester are also stark, with a 23% higher incidence rate than in the rest of England.
Head and neck cancer rates in the county are 20% higher than the national average, too.
In our full report, you can learn more about our research into cancer incidence rates across the North West and North Wales.