Cumbria
In January 2020, we released our latest regional report which highlighted patterns of cancer across Cumbria. With the oldest population profile in the North West, we found that Cumbria also had the highest reported incidence of cancer.
Top 5 Areas of Need
- Cervical cancer rates are concerning for the area, showing as 35% higher in Cumbria than the rest of the country
- Rates of colorectal cancer are also of concern with rates 27% higher in Cumbria than the rest of England
- The rate of head and neck cancers are 21% higher than the national average
- Most worryingly, the overall rates of cancer in Cumbria are 11% higher than the rest of England
- Cumbria also has the highest rates of breast cancer in the region – 9% higher than the national and regional averages
Together we can break the pattern
Donate nowCancer in Cumbria
Aligned with its high cancer incidence rates, Cumbria has the oldest population profile in the North West; 37% of its population are over 55 years old with 10% aged over 75. As could be expected from a region with a strong rural, agricultural and visitor-economy, 26% of the population work in skilled manual positions. While 28% are employed in semi-skilled, unskilled, or manual roles.
Key challenges for the county include the second highest cervical cancer rates in the North West, with a 35% higher incidence rate than the national average. The county’s rates of colorectal cancer are also significantly higher than average – with rates 27% higher than the rest of England.
Cumbria also has much higher rates of breast cancer than the rest of the North West. While Merseyside, Lancashire, and Manchester underindex for breast cancer, and Cheshire is just above the national average, Cumbria significantly overindexes, with breast cancer rates 9% higher than the national average.
Find out more about our research into cancer incidence rates across the North West and North Wales via our full report.