Charity warns of impending rise in cancer cases

The Irish Cancer Society has warned of a major rise in the incidence of the disease as Ireland's population grows older.

The organisation says it expects that the number of new cancer cases will have increased by 62% between 2005 and 2020.

However, it says mortality rates will not increase so sharply as advances in medical treatment improve patients' chances of survival.

The Cancer Society is urging people to reduce their risk of contracting the disease through regular exercise, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.