Latest statistics released on number of blood cancer cases in England
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, 303,135 people were diagnosed with cancer in England in 2016 – an increase of 3,212 people compared to the 2015 statistics.
As was the case for cancer overall, blood cancers were slightly more common in men than women.
In England in 2016:
- 12,018 people were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- 8,208 people were diagnosed with leukaemia
- 4,731 people were diagnosed with myeloma
- 1,717 people were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma
- 2,163 people were diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes
Dr Alasdair Rankin, Director of Research at Bloodwise, said: “Individually many blood cancers are rare and because cancer registration statistics for leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma are presented separately the overall impact of blood cancer remains hidden. Together blood cancers are not only the fifth largest group of cancers in the UK, but the third largest cause of cancer death.
“We know that very few cases of blood cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes, which is why we emphasise that research to improve blood cancer treatment is vital to reducing death rates. We also know that people with blood cancers have a different experience of cancer care, which is why we must ensure their specific needs are considered and addressed in NHS cancer care strategies.”
About our name
In 2020 our organisation changed its name from Bloodwise to Blood Cancer UK. For accuracy, some historical references to Bloodwise have been left intact.