Jersey residents at risk from 'preventable' cancer
- Published
Smoking and diet have been blamed for higher rates of cancer in Jersey.
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.
Dr Susan Turnbull, Director of Public Health Jersey, said: "These cancers, which shorten some islanders lives, 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 Jersey, the South West, and the whole of England.
'Risk factors'
Both Jersey and Guernsey have a high rate of lung cancer and cancers associated with smoking.
On average about 50 people a year die from lung cancer 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 Turnbull said: "Everyone has the option to make healthier lifestyle choices that will reduce their risk of developing these preventable cancers."
Jersey 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.