CASES of kidney cancer in Cumbria are 42 per cent above the national average, according to data collated by a northwest charity.

Northwest Cancer Research conducted research of NHS data as part of its 2023 regional report, and reported that Cumbria’s kidney cancer incidence rate is higher above the national average than any other region in the north-west. 

The study assessed the impact of 19 key cancers across the north-west, of which the region was found to have over-indexed on 15. 

Residents in the north-west of England are 25 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than in the rest of the UK. 

After kidney cancer, the top five cancers most prevalent in Cumbria are: 

  • Ovary: 41 per cent higher than the national average 
  • Colon and rectum: 39 per cent higher than the national average 
  • Leukaemia: 34 per cent higher than the national average 
  • Liver: 34 per cent higher than the national average 
  • Lung, trachea and bronchus: 33 per cent higher than the national average 

Alastair Richards, Northwest Cancer Research CEO, said: “Cumbria is a place unlike any other, with world-leading people, places, culture, and creativity around every corner.

“Sadly, its cancer landscape is also markedly distinct, with communities here facing a number of serious challenges which require urgent, localised attention.

“By annually assessing the cancer challenges in Cumbria and across the north-west at a granular level, we’ve been able to identify the most acute issues facing the region.

“This has highlighted that not only is Cumbria well behind the national average in many areas, but its cancer rates are remaining stubbornly static.  

“This strongly suggests that Cumbria, and the north-west as a whole, is facing an entrenched problem.

“To resolve this, we must better understand the region’s complex and multifaceted issues which are closely connected with high levels of deprivation.

“This clear correlation highlights the fact that more targeted, community-level support is needed which addresses both the societal as well as medical aspects of cancer.” 

A spokesperson from North Cumbria Integrated Care, one of several NHS trusts from which the charity collated data to come to the overall figures, said: “As an NHS organisation, we urge people to come forward if they notice anything different in their bodies.

“It could be a lump, a persistent cough, pain that doesn’t go away, blood in pee or poo or coughing up blood, persistent bloating or pain when going to the toilet.

“All of these things could be a sign of cancer and the sooner it is diagnosed, the more likely you are to make a full recovery.

“If you are worried don’t wait, please go to your GP.”