New projected figures from Cancer Research UK suggest that cancer cases in the United Kingdom could rise to more than 430,000 over the next twenty years.

They came up with the data by measuring the increase in cancer cases since the late 1970s and taking population age into account. The data was sourced from the Office of National Statistics.

The figures are equivalent to an increase of 45% in 23 cancers, and the increase is largely due to people living longer and the population being older and larger as a result. The figures take into account 10 million extra people living in the UK by 2030.

When split between genders, male admissions are likely to rise by 55% whereas female cancer admissions are expected to rise by 35%. Prostate cancer cases are expected to double and the rate of cancers of the skin and kidneys are also expected to rise significantly.

Breast cancer admissions are likely to fall as hormone replacement therapy becomes less commonly used.

The cancer charity said that the NHS is at risk of being unable to cope with cancer admissions if their figures are correct.

Chief executive Harpal Kumar commented: “It is absolutely crucial that health commissioners plan now for a massive increase in demand for cancer services, to ensure we provide high quality care to all.”

The Department of Health said measures were being put in place to cope with the increase in cancer patients, including a £750 million investment to improve diagnosis.