It is estimated that one in every two people will be diagnosed with Cancer at some point in their lives. There has been many advances in treatment and early detection means that survival rates are much higher than before. Cancer Research UK has indicated that the increase in the disease is due to an aging population. “Cancer is primarily a disease of old age, with more than 60 per cent of all cases diagnosed in people aged over 65,” said cancer specialist Professor Peter Sasieni, who led the new study. “If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point." Life style choices such as giving up smoking, weight loss and keeping active can also help prevent the disease. A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Cancer survival rates are now at their highest level, and we are on track to save an extra 12,000 lives this year. But cases of cancer are likely to rise with an ageing population – so we are focused on earlier diagnosis, improving care and tackling preventable cancer. “We have spent an extra £750m on cancer services and have given local authorities £8.2bn over three years to tackle public health issues, such as smoking, obesity and alcohol abuse. Charities such as Action Cancer, Macmillan and Cancer Research UK are paramount in raising the much needed funds for the treatment of cancer patients.