'500,000 to have cancer diagnosis every year by 2035', experts say

Breast cancer is expected to be the most common cancer in women by 2035. Credit: Rui Vieira / PA Wire

Half a million people will be diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK by 2035 - a sharp rise from the current 350,000, according to experts.

New predictions from Cancer Research UK suggest that the alarming increase in a cancer diagnosis for thousands more people, will be fuelled by unhealthy lifestyles and all of us living longer.

If current trends continue, women will account for 244,000 cases per year by 2035, while men will make up 270,000 cases.

Breast cancer is expected to be the most common cancer in women, while prostate cancer will be the most common in men.

Dr Rebecca Smittenaar, lead author of the new study published in the British Journal of Cancer, said lifestyle factors will play a significant role.

The predicted rise in cancer is expected to be linked to unhealthy lifestyles. Credit: Dominic Lipinski / PA Wire

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "These numbers are shocking. We know four in 10 cancers in the UK could be prevented.

"Cutting smoking rates and tackling the rising obesity epidemic is key to avoiding more cancer cases. Quitting smoking and keeping a healthy weight isn't always easy. All of us - including the Government - can do more to help individuals and families make healthy choices. "