Half of people diagnosed with cancer today in the UK will survive their disease for at least ten years, according to figures published by Cancer Research UK today.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, this means that about 14,000 people each year can now expect to survive the disease for at least a decade – in the early 1970s that was a quarter of people.

Today, Cancer Research UK has set out a new strategy with the ambition that three-quarters of all cancer patients diagnosed in 20 years’ time will survive at least ten years.

Funding is needed for vital research into all types of cancer and the charity hopes these latest figures will inspire women to sign up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events.

Events are being held in Bradford’s Lister Park and East Holmes Field in Ilkley.

For more information on Race for Life visit racefor life.org or call 0845 600 6050.