Cancer predictions: Timely warning

The news that we can expect to see a doubling in the incidence of cancers by 2040 — just 25 years away — is hardly cheering, but that is no reason not to try to prepare for such an eventuality.

The National Cancer Control Programme warned yesterday that we will have the highest growth in cancer rates in Europe largely because of the age profile of our population.

This is a dismal prediction but we can take some comfort in the fact that our cancer services are much, much better than they were not so long ago.

The report also recognised the limitations imposed on health services by reduced or unchanging budgets faced with increasing demand and expectations, a challenge faced by nearly every country in the developed world.

Many cancers are indiscriminate and show tremendous disregard even for those who follow good health disciplines, avoid tobacco, drink moderately, and manage their weight.

Though yesterday’s report was a warning to our health service it is a warning to each of us as well.