Diagnoses of bladder, lung, prostate and upper gastrointestinal cancers at the Royal Blackburn Hospital reached their highest level since 2010.

Data from a Freedom of Information request revealed that last year saw the highest spike in cases across all cancers, with 3,409 recorded – an increase of almost five per cent on figures from the previous year.

In 2010 the number was almost a quarter less than this, with figures at the time reaching 2,748.  

Lung cancer was diagnosed 5,138 times during this period and experienced the highest of recorded number of cases in 2023 (454).

Breast cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers, with a total of 5,674 cases recorded between 2010 and 2023, peaking in 2022 with 462 cases before a decline to 422 in 2023.

The higher rates of diagnosis are in part likely to reflect the work of the NHS in 2022 to encourage people to come forward for checks to catch up on the effects of the pandemic, following a reduction in the numbers coming forward and starting treatment.

Nationally figures for prostate cancer had been detected more than a quarter more regularly than they had in 2022 and East Lancashire saw an 11 per cent increase during the same period.

Colorectal and upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers also presented significant totals, with 3,804 and 4,224 cases, respectively, with both seeing gradual increases throughout the decade, reflecting national trends in these cancer types.

National data shows that mortality rates from cancer are continuing to reduce – in men, the rate fell from 345 deaths per 100,000 people in 2011 to 299 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022.

Similarly, for women, the rate fell from 237 deaths per 100,000 people in 2011 to 212 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022.  

Skin cancer has seen a notable spike in cases from 2012 onwards, bringing the total to 5,474 by the end of 2023 with the highest number occurring in 2021 (497).

NHS national cancer director Dame Cally Palmer said: “This data shows the NHS is diagnosing more cancers than ever before, and our work to raise awareness, target those at risk and encourage people to come forward for checks is leading to more people starting treatment promptly – potentially saving lives.

“While staff have been working hard to see and treat more people with cancer than ever before, we know that some people are still waiting too long to receive a diagnosis or the all-clear, and there is more to do to ensure all patients receive high-quality and timely care.

 “If you are worried about potential signs and symptoms of cancer, it is important that you contact your GP without delay.”

East Lancashire Hospital Trust has been contacted for comment.