Recently published data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the number of cancer diagnoses has reached its highest recorded level, with 299,923 new cancers diagnosed and registered across England in 2015.

The data also show a split between the number of cancers diagnosed in the North and South of England; people living in northeast England were 15% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those living in London. This is an increase from 9% in 2014. In addition, there are more cases of cancer in men (153,061) than in women (146,682).

An article in The Times suggests the increase in diagnosed cancers can be attributed to improved screening and diagnostic methods, which improves chances of survival because early stage cancers are easier to treat than late stage cancers.

View the ONS statistics here and read The Times article here (fee required).