Data collated by North West Cancer Research has shown worrying trends regarding cancer rates in Flintshire and Wrexham. 

The charity, which is dedicated to prioritising the cancer needs of people living in the North West and North Wales, has identified a number of concerning trends among the region’s cancer rates as part of a wider report.

Flintshire recorded the highest rates of ovary and fallopian tube cancers, at 38% higher than the rest of the country.

The region also recorded 26% higher total death rates than the national average for stomach cancer.

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The incidence rate of breast cancer is 22% higher in Wrexham compared to the rest of the country and the city recorded a 10% higher than average total death rate from breast cancer.

The study assessed the impact of 37 key cancers across North Wales, of which the region was found to have over-indexed on 22. Residents in North Wales and the North West of England are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than in the rest of the UK.

The three most prevalent recorded cancers across North Wales are prostate, breast, and lung cancer. The population in North Wales also records high incidence rates of colorectal, colon, and uterine cancer.

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The research links the disproportionate cancer rates with significant levels of inequality in the area. North West Cancer Research’s report shows that communities in North Wales face significantly higher rates of deprivation than the national average. Flintshire, which is 25% more deprived than the national average, suffers from the worst levels of deprivation of all the six counties in North Wales.

Cancer rates in North Wales have remained largely static for several years. From 2020 to 2021 the rate of total cancer deaths remained essentially the same, decreasing from 283.95 per 100,000 people to 272.9.

Alastair Richards, North West Cancer Research CEO, said: “By assessing the cancer challenges in North Wales at a granular level, we’ve been able to identify the most acute issues facing the region. Unfortunately, this has also shown that not only is North Wales falling well behind the national average in many areas but the static nature of the cancer rates proves that this is an entrenched problem that requires urgent attention.

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“In order to improve the situation, it’s clear that we all need to better understand the region’s complex and multifaceted issues which are closely connected with high poverty levels.

"By better understanding the challenges being faced at a community level, we can spot where further research is needed and identify what evidence-led interventions each location needs.”

For more information about North West Cancer Research, visit www.nwcr.org