Merseyside's liver cancer rates double the national average
Cases of liver cancer across Merseyside are double the number of incidences recorded in the rest of England, according to data collated by North West Cancer Research.
The charity has highlighted a series of patterns as part of a wider report on cancer across the region.
Analysts assessed the impact of 25 key cancers across the North West and 37 cancers across Wales.
Of the cancers included, the North West over-indexed on 14 cancers, while North Wales over-indexed on 23.
The charity says it highlights "stark contrasts" between the national and regional pictures and demonstrating how those living across the region were more at risk of developing the disease.
Across North West England, liver cancer rates are almost 30% higher than the national average.
Video report by Lisa McNally
The North West's top three cancers were of the liver; lung, trachea and bronchus; and oesophagus, while region's most common conditions were colon cancer; bladder cancer; and head and neck cancers.
In Merseyside, cancer rates were found to be the second highest in the region, with an average of 1,781 cases, compared to 1,751 per 100,000 population each year.
Among the county's key findings was liver cancer rates being double the national average, while 75% more cases of lung, trachea and bronchus cancer were also recorded than in the rest of England.
The charity says it will break the existing cancer patterns across the region and address the inequalities through vital, life-saving research.
Merseyside was found to be the most affected by head and neck cancers, with a 30% higher rate than the national average, while cervical cancer was 35% more common.
Across the North West, bladder cancer was recorded as an area of concern, with North Wales having a rate 18% higher than the national average and communities across North West England showing a 13% higher rate.
However, in North West England, incidence rates for cancers such as pancreatic, prostate and uterus, as well as Hodgkin's Lymphoma, were lower than the national average.
Now, North West Cancer Research is calling on those living across the region to help champion its cause and lend their support to help fund vital research projects, including those that specifically address local needs.