Monday 24 July 2017
The 2017 Channel Islands Cancer Registry Report (incorporating data up to 2014) has been released today.
This report includes the Bailiwick of Guernsey rates of cancer diagnosis (incidence) and cancer death (mortality) and compares them to figures for Jersey, as well as to the South West and the whole of England. It is produced by Public Health England's National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service on behalf of the Channel Islands.
Key Findings for the Bailiwick of Guernsey
There were an average of 691 cancers registered in the Bailiwick every year between 2010 and 2014, of which 45% were for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). There was no significant difference observed between the incidence and mortality rates for all cancers in the Bailiwick (excluding NMSC) and England.
The incidence and mortality rate for all cancers (excluding NMSC) was significantly higher for males than females in the Bailiwick. However the incidence rate for females has increased significantly since 2001-2003 reporting period, whilst the rate for males has increased during the same reporting period, but this is not a significant increase.
After NMSC the most commonly registered cancers were for prostate, breast and lung cancer and the three main causes of cancer death were for prostate, lung and upper gastrointestinal cancer (oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer).
The incidence rate of lung cancer in the Bailiwick is similar to the England average and lower than the Jersey rate. Around 46 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the Bailiwick and there were on average 36 deaths per year from lung cancer. This figure is high compared to the South West of England rates. Smoking is the main risk factor and is responsible for about 86% of lung cancers each year.
Skin cancer rates are higher in the Bailiwick than in the South West of England and England as a whole, but similar to Jersey. Around 33 new cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year in Guernsey and it is one of the most common cancers in those aged under 40.
Similarly the rate of non-melanoma skin cancers is higher than the recorded rate in the South West and England (although not all parts of England comprehensively record non-melanoma rates). The major risk factor is UV exposure through sunlight or sunbeds.
The incidence of prostate cancer was similar to the South West and England average but lower than Jersey. However, the death rate from prostate cancer in the Bailiwick is higher than the England and Jersey average. Around 16 men die from prostate cancer each year.
The rate of all cancers among paediatric patients in the Bailiwick is higher than England, with around 5 new cases being diagnosed each year. However, the death rate is similar in all jurisdictions. The risk factors for childhood cancer are not well understood.
The incidence of breast cancer was similar in the Bailiwick, Jersey and the South West of England. However, the death rate from breast cancer in Guernsey is lower than in England and is even lower than the lowest age standardised rate (ASR) in the England regions. Around 9 women die from breast cancer each year.
The Bailiwick has a lower rate of kidney and ureter cancers than the South West, with around 9 new cases being diagnosed each year. The main risk factors here are smoking and excessive body weight. The rate of bladder cancer is similar in Guernsey, Jersey, the South West of England and England as a whole.
The rate of upper gastrointestinal in the Bailiwick is similar to the South West and lower than the England average. Around 22 new cases were diagnosed each year in the Bailiwick. The main risk factors are smoking, low fruit and vegetable intake, Helicobacter pylori (for stomach cancer) and excess body weight.
The incidence and death rates from colorectal cancer were similar in the Bailiwick, Jersey, the South West and the England average.
The report shows that the top 10 causes of cancer and cancer deaths in the Bailiwick are:
| Cancer Incidence | Cancer Deaths | |
| 1 | Non-melanoma skin cancer | Prostate Cancer |
| 2 | Prostate Cancer | Lung Cancer |
| 3 | Breast Cancer | Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer |
| 4 | Lung Cancer | Colorectal Cancer |
| 5 | Colorectal Cancer | Breast Cancer |
| 6 | Malignant Melanoma | Bladder Cancer |
| 7 | Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer | Ovarian Cancer |
| 8 | Uterine Cancer | Leukaemia |
| 9 | Lymphoma | Kidney and Ureter Cancer |
| 10 | Head and Neck | Uterine Cancers |
What does this mean for Guernsey?
Mrs Diane Mathews, Health Improvement Practitioner for Cancer Prevention
"Cancer Research UK believe that 4 out of 10 cases of cancer could be prevented through improved diet and lifestyle choices. The main risk factors for cancer are smoking, being overweight, a diet low in vegetables and fruit, drinking alcohol and UV exposure (sunlight or sun beds)."
Dr Nicola Brink, Acting Director of Public Health / Medical Officer of Health
"We welcome the publication of this report as it allows us to benchmark our cancer rates and deaths against comparable jurisdictions.
This report presents us with some important messages. Skin cancer rates are higher in the Bailiwick than in the South West of England and England as a whole. We currently have campaigns to raise awareness on safe sun exposure. This is particularly important over the summer and I would encourage islanders to enjoy the sun safely using a combination of shade (by spending time in the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm), sunscreen and clothing.
The Bailiwick currently has strategies to tackle smoking, excess alcohol consumption and obesity, all of which are recognised risk factors for certain cancers. We need to continue to focus on these areas where lifestyle choices result in avoidable cancer deaths."
