Epidemiology
British Journal of Cancer (2009) 101, 541–547. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605148 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 30 June 2009
Cancer prevalence in the United Kingdom: estimates for 2008
J Maddams1, D Brewster2, A Gavin3, J Steward4, J Elliott5, M Utley6 and H Møller1
- 1Kings College London, Thames Cancer Registry, 1st Floor Capital House, 42 Weston St, London SE1 3QD, UK
- 2Scottish Cancer Registry, Area 155, Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9EB, UK
- 3Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Queen's University Belfast, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Mulhouse Building, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, UK
- 4Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, Floor 13, Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff CF24 0HA
- 5Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ, UK
- 6University College London, Clinical Operational Research Unit, 4 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BT, UK
Correspondence: J Maddams, Thames Cancer Registry, 1st Floor, Capital House, 42 Weston St, London SE1 3QD, UK. E-mail: jacob.maddams@kcl.ac.uk
Revised 20 May 2009; Accepted 29 May 2009; Published online 30 June 2009.
Abstract
Background:
Identifying and addressing the requirements of cancer survivors is currently a high priority for the NHS, yet little is known about the population of cancer survivors in the United Kingdom.
Methods:
Data from cancer registries in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were analysed to provide limited-duration prevalence estimates for 2004. Log-linear regression models were used to extend these to complete prevalence estimates. Trends in prevalence from 2000 to 2004 were used to project complete prevalence estimates forward from 2004 to 2008.
Results:
We estimated that in total, there were 2 million cancer survivors in the United Kingdom at the end of 2008, 
3% of the population overall and 1 in 8 of those aged 65 years and more. Prostate and female breast cancers were the most prevalent. The number of cancer survivors is increasing by 3% each year. Estimates are also provided by time since diagnosis.
Conclusion:
These estimates are the most up-to-date available, and as such will be useful for statutory and voluntary sector organisations that are responsible for planning and providing treatment and support to cancer survivors in the United Kingdom.
Keywords:
prevalence, survivors, survivorship, UK
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