Most men are set to face a 50% chance of having a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetimes, according to an analysis reported today.
Men are more likely than women to get a cancer diagnosis – and the new analysis suggests a turning point will come in 2027.
Male risk is increased because of high rates of prostate cancer in old age.
But cancers of the bowel and skin also pose a major threat, according to experts.
In that year all males in the UK will face an overall risk of 50% of being diagnosed with cancer during their lives. The risk is currently 44%.
By 2027 female risk will have reach 44%. it currently stands at 40%, according to the Cancer Research UK study.
The charity plans to launch a new campaign on Boxing Day calling for backing for more cancer research.
Professor Malcolm Mason, a prostate cancer expert with the charity, said researchers need to find a way of identifying and screening those men at high risk from the cancer – which is not always fatal.
He said: "Prostate cancer needs research. We have many questions and research is key to providing answers about the disease.
"As our population ages, growing numbers of men will be diagnosed with the disease. Over the last 40 years prostate cancer incidence rates in Great Britain have tripled, and three-quarters of cases are diagnosed in men aged over 65 years."
Cancer Research UK chief executive Dr Harpal Kumar said: “These figures provide a glimpse into the future. On the plus side our life expectancy is increasing but this also means more of us are likely to be diagnosed with cancer.
“It’s only through research that we will be able to beat cancer."
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