Cumbria
In 2022, 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
- Stomach cancer rates are 72% higher than the rest of the country.
- Rates of oesophageal cancer are 54% higher than the rest of England.
- Incidence rates for colorectal cancer are 37% higher than the national average
- Cervical cancer rates in Cumbria are 35% higher than the rest of England.
- Melanoma of the skin: Cumbria has high melanoma rates at 27% higher than the national average.
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Donate nowCancer in Cumbria
Cumbria’s cancer incidence rate is significantly higher than the rest of the North West and the county records 12% higher rates of cancer
than the rest of the region.
Aligned with its high cancer incidence rates, Cumbria has one of the oldest population profiles in the North West; 39% of its population is over 55 years old with 11% aged over 75.
Overall, Cumbria experiences lower levels of deprivation than the rest of the country and is 10% less deprived than the rest of the North
West, however pockets of the region do experience longstanding deprivation, with high levels of poverty recorded in Barrow and Copeland
compared to more affluent areas of the county such as Eden and South Lakeland, which track above the national average.
Around 31% of the population in Cumbria are employed in routine or manual roles, while 28% have managerial, administrative, or professional occupations. Students make up 5% of population, while 4% of people living in the area are long term unemployed or have never worked.
Despite its relatively affluent population, the county has the highest rates in the North West for a number of cancers. Cancers which present a significant challenge for the region include stomach cancer rates that are 75% higher than the rest of England. Oesophageal cancer rates in the region are also troubling and track at more than double the national average at 54%.
Colorectal cancer in the region is also significantly higher than the rest of the country with an incidence rate of 37% above the national rate. While cervical cancer rates in Cumbria also track at 35% above the English average.
Find out more about our research into cancer incidence rates across the North West and North Wales via our full report.