Blood cancers are 5th most common cancer in England

Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of new cancer cases in England continues to rise. In 2014 there were 296,863 cancers registered, an equivalent to 813 per day.

When combined, blood cancers account for 26,196 new cases, making it the 5th most common cancer in England and equating to nearly 10% of all registrations in 2014.

With people living longer, the incidence of blood cancers, and cancers overall, will inevitably slowly increase. While improvements in early diagnosis and treatment means many more people will go on to survive their cancer, we know that further progress is still vitally needed.

Chris West, our Head of Media and Public affairs, said: "Today’s statistics show that blood cancer remains as the fifth biggest cancer in the UK, and provides a stark reminder of the number of people who deal with the devastating impact of a blood cancer diagnosis each year. Given these figures, it is essential that providing specialist, long-term support and accelerating access to the most effective treatments is a priority for the Government and NHS.

We want to work alongside the NHS, health professionals and all organisations in the blood cancer sector to ensure patients get the support they need."

Find out more about the research projects we're funding to improve treatment for blood cancer

Read more about the latest ONS statistics