Death rates from cancer across Yorkshire and the Humber have dropped a fifth since the 1990s, according to figures released by Cancer Research UK today.

In 1990, 220 in every 100,000 people in the UK died of cancer, but thanks to improved research and treatment options this figure fell by 22 per cent to 170 per 100,000 in 2011.

The dramatic decrease has been announced to coincide with a new awareness and fundraising campaign by Cancer Research UK, which will officially begin with a TV advert to be shown nationwide on Boxing Day. For more information, visit cancerresearchuk.org.