Cancer Research study reveals that the disease steals 2m years of our lives annually

Over two million precious years of life are lost annually to cancer, figures reveal.

Half a million are lost to lung cancer, 213,000 to bowel cancer, and 197,000 to breast cancer.

Cancer patients typically died 14 years early, found a 30-year study by Cancer Research UK. Those with testicular cancer died on average 33 years before their time, and cervical cancer 25 years.

Years lost annually to rose to 2.31million in 2013 to 2017, from 2.17million in 1988 to 1992, largely due to population growth.

Liver, kidney and skin cancers had the steepest increases.

But overall death rates fell by around 15 percent over the decades. The biggest falls were for those with stomach (59 percent), cervical (58 percent), and breast cancer (39 percent).

Cancer Research UK is urging ministers to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment, invest in research and boost NHS staff and equipment. Dr Judith Offman of King’s College London, who led the study with input from experts at Queen Mary University of London, said it helps “highlight areas where more needs to be done”.

The Department of Health said: “Cancer is being diagnosed earlier more often, with survival rates improving across almost all types of cancer, and we have opened 123 community diagnostic centres.

“Our Major Conditions Strategy will consider the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of the six conditions, including cancer, responsible for the highest proportion of ill health in England.

“The UK is already working with world renowned scientists on new cancer vaccine trials and we are growing the size of the specialist workforce to deliver the best possible care.”