UK : Ageing population will have serious implications for the provision of cancer services

Areas that already have ageing populations will see the biggest increases in numbers of elderly people, according to the 20-year forecast based on population data compiled by the UK Association of Cancer Registries.   The changes will have serious implications for the provision of cancer services, with some areas likely to need extra resources to cope with their growing cancer burden.   Cancer Research UK is highlighting the issue at its inaugural Wales Against Cancer conference in Cardiff today, which aims to focus policy makers on improving cancer treatment and promoting lifestyle changes for cancer prevention.   As the risk of developing cancer increases with age, the proportion of people over 65 is a good indicator of the likely number of cancer cases expected.   Wales has the oldest population in the UK with 17 per cent of people over 65. England and Scotland both have 16 per cent of their population over the age of 65 and Northern Ireland has the youngest population with only 13 per cent of people over 65.   Now projections indicate that this demographic inequality is set to increase, with the oldest populations getting even older, but the youngest remaining relatively stable.   In