Guernsey residents at risk from 'preventable' cancer

Smoking and diet have been blamed for higher rates of cancer in Guernsey.

Skin cancer and bladder cancer are double the rates experienced in South-West of England.

The Channel Islands Cancer Registration Report has linked incidences of the condition to excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption.

But Guernsey's Medical Officer of Health, Dr Stephen Bridgman, said: "The most commonly diagnosed cancers are largely preventable."

The report has been produced by the Public Health England Knowledge and Intelligence Team and compares incidence and mortality rates for cancer in the Bailiwick to figures for Jersey, the South West, and the whole of England.

'Risk factors'

Both Guernsey and Jersey have a high rate of lung cancer and cancers associated with smoking.

On average 35 people a year die from lung cancer in Guernsey and around 50 in Jersey - the highest mortality rates for any cancer on the islands.

Guernsey has double the amount of bladder cancer suffers, with 31 per 100,000 population compared to 15 per 100,000 in the UK.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with 51 sufferers per 100,000, compared to 30 per 100,000.

Dr Bridgman said: "Guernsey has existing strategies to tackle smoking, alcohol and obesity, all of which are known risk factors for cancer; as well as campaigns for safe sun exposure, to tackle the risk of skin cancer.

"The tobacco and alcohol strategies are being updated this year, to help make healthier choices easier and to focus on protecting young people."