DEATH rates for breast, bowel, lung and prostate cancer combined have fallen by almost a third in the last 20 years in the UK.

The latest Cancer Research UK figures released today.

In Yorkshire, mortality rates from all cancers have dropped by around a fifth in the past 20 years.

The latest figures, which highlight the impact research has had in beating cancer, come as Cancer Research UK launches its ‘We Will Beat Cancer Sooner’ campaign with a powerful TV advert rallying everyone Yorkshire to join the fight against the disease.

Death rates in the UK for breast cancer have fallen by 38 per cent, bowel cancer by 34 per cent, lung cancer by 27 per cent and prostate cancer by 21 per cent.

But not all cancer death rates have dropped. Mortality rates in liver, pancreatic, melanoma, oral and some digestive cancers have all shown an increase.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Yorkshire, said: “The latest figures highlight the good news that research continue to save lives from cancer and offer hope that this progress will continue.

“But while the death rate for the four biggest cancer killers falls, it’s vital to remember that we need to do more to help bring even better results over the coming years.

“There are over 200 different forms of the disease. For some of these, the advances are less impressive, such as pancreatic, oesophageal and liver cancer. Far too many lives continue to be affected by the disease.”